Wooden toggle carved as a lotus rhizome with a small crab and two lotus buds about to open. The crab, which has black inlaid eyes, symbolizes Harmony and a wish to pass the Civil Service Examinations. The Lotus Rhizome (ou) has a strong fibrous body and is a pun for ‘spouse’ (ou). When the rhizome is opened its fibers resemble silk (si). This leads to the saying ‘ouduan silian’ which means ‘When a couple is separated, their affection does not diminish’. The toggle is signed by Song Shan (松山). Length 5.0 cm. Width 3.0 cm.