Each side of this interesting thread spool depicts a lady holding a flower on a long stem. We have not yet been able to identify these maidens who look like the female dancers of the Han dynasty. One of them has a lotus flower in her hand and may be the only female ‘Immortal’ He Xiangu. In this context the lotus symbolizes ‘Longevity’ in addition to ‘Purity’. The flower of the other unknown maiden looks like a cluster of plum blossoms which refers to the ‘Five Blessings’, ‘Old age’, ‘Wealth’, ‘Health’, ‘Love of Virtue’ and a ‘Peaceful Death’. The spool has been used but is still in good condition. It dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 21 cm. Width 5 cm.