Grinding grain - (4328)
[4328]

The lady in the front of this scene is using a small rotating hand mill to grind grain into flour. These mills were very popular in China. On the left another lady approaches with a bowl in her hand, most probably filled with grain. A servant on the right steps forward to get a closer look. A large building on the right and a pine tree complement the picture. The finely engraved armorial belongs to the Robertson family, of Strowan. Three wolf’s heads grace the escutcheon within the armorial. Duncan, son of Robert, chief of the clan, apprehended the murderers of King James I of Scotland. The man in chains under the escutcheon also refers to this event. In gratitude for their support James II granted the Robertson family the right to include a hand holding the regal crown in the crest and in addition the motto ‘Virtutis gloria merces’ which means ‘Glory is the reward for bravery’. The ring around the crest depicts houses, rocks, a banana tree and two lambs. The intricately fretted border is decorated with flowers, pomegranates and finger citrons. The carving dates from the Daoguang period (1820 – 1850). Diameter 4.2 cm. Thickness 0.29 cm.
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