The decoration of this silver grooming set does not only include a central medallion but also a ‘vinaigrette’ or scent box. The scent box used to have a padding of absorbent material inside on which perfume could be sprinkled as the odors in the streets of old China could sometimes be quite bad. The embossed vinaigrette is decorated on both sides with boys symbolizing a wish for many sons. One of them holds a Ruyi scepter which stands for ‘May you get everything you wish for’. The other boy seems to raise a garland of flowers over his head for which we don’t have an explanation. The solid silver medallion is especially nice and shows a boy in a basket which again symbolizes a wish for many sons. A basket also symbolizes Abundance and Longevity as it was the attribute of the Immortal Lan Caihe. The Osmanthus flower over his head represents ‘Distinguished sons’ and the peony blossoms on both sides stand for ‘Wealth and Honor’. The three ‘tools’ consist of one toothpick, a pair of tweezers and another pointed instrument which is made in a different style and may originally not have been part of the ensemble. Two of the tools are hallmarked. The hook which would attach the grooming set to the belt is decorated with a butterfly (Continuous Harmony). The set dates from the end of the Qing period (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Total length 44 cm.