Toggle in the shape of a pair of men’s shoes. Shoes (xie 鞋), because of an identical pronunciation, are used in combination with other objects to express "in Harmony with" (xie 谐) or "Together with" (xie 偕). Shoes also symbolize Wealth because their shape is similar to a silver or gold ingot (sycee). This pair is made of boxwood and has a nice patina which confirms its age. Toggles of this type often date from the Ming period (1368 – 1644) which is probably also the period during which this item was carved. On the side is a decoration of two lozenges. The Lozenge is one of the Eight Treasures and a symbol of Victory. In this case two lozenges have their ends interlocked. Length 3.9 cm. Width 2.9 cm. Height 3.2 cm.