Red lacquered wooden spool decorated with four different kinds of flowers. We can only identify the plum blossom. The five petals of the plum blossom represent the ‘Five Blessings’, ‘Old age’, ‘Wealth’, ‘Health’, ‘Love of Virtue’ and a ‘Peaceful Death’. The other three flowers remain a mystery for the time being. The spool has been used extensively but is still in good condition. It dates from the end of the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 18.5 cm. Width 5.0 cm. Thickness 1.6 cm.