This object is a belt slide which was slid over the belt and used to hang items from. The carving is quite detailed but the carver started carving while he knew that there was a natural crack in the material. This is an interesting feature which could point to an early date, possibly even late Ming (1368 - 1644) when the supply of good quality jade was dwindling. The meaning of a boy holding a reed flute and a lotus flower is of course symbolic. A boy represents the wish to have successful sons and a reed flute (sheng) has the same pronunciation as 'to give birth'. The lotus flower symbolizes ‘Continuous Harmony’. Also depicted is a bat (fu) which is a wish for ‘Happiness and Good fortune’. There is therefore little doubt that this belt slide belonged to a wealthy lady and may have been given as a wedding present. It was acquired in 2013 in America. Width 5.1 cm. Height 3.2 cm. Depth 0.41 cm. Weight 17.2 grams.