Red and gold lacquered wooden spool in the shape of a gold ingot which is the symbol of ‘Wealth’. It is decorated on one side with blossoming peonies. The peony is known as the flower of ‘Wealth and Honor’. Honor is regarded as attaining a high official position. This ties in with the decoration on the other side which shows two officials of which the one with the beard is pointing at the other one who holds a Ruyi scepter in his hands. The officials are recognizable by their headgear. The Ruyi scepter symbolizes a wish to obtain everything that one may desire. The carving of this thread spool is exceptionally fine but the rims show some age-related chips. It dates from the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 13 cm. Width 7 cm.