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). The nose of the shoes is decorated with a flower, most probably a Peony which symbolizes Wealth and Honor. The toggle is made of boxwood. Its great patina confirms its age. Toggles of this type often date from the Ming period (1368 – 1644) which is also the period to which we attribute this one. Length 4.4 cm. Width 3.1 cm. Height 2.2 cm.