Very small seal carved from a piece of walnut. Such seals were often worn as beads which explains the hole through the centre. The other side has a depiction of a horse, one of the animals of the Chinese zodiac and a symbol of Speed and Perseverance. We have not been able to decipher the characters of the seal. The material from which this small gem is carved, is quite hard and therefore difficult to carve. It dates from the Qing (1644 – 1912) or Republic period (1912 - 1949). Acquires in Shanghai in 2015. Length 2.4 cm. Width 1.8 cm. Height 1.3 cm.