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 two Magpies, Bamboo and Plum flowers leading to the pun ‘Double Happiness for the Bride and Groom’ (Zhumei Shuangxi). The Plum and Bamboo stand for Bride and Groom respectively and the Two Magpies represent Double Happiness. A Pine tree has been added to wish for a Long life. We have not been able to decipher the characters of the seal. The material from which this small gem has been created is quite hard and therefore difficult to carve. It dates from the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 1.7 cm. Width 1.3 cm. Height 0.9 cm.