Chinese art is full of hidden meanings. This bunch of blossoming peony flowers for instance symbolizes 'Prosperity'. The peony is also known as the flower of Wealth and Honor. The composition consists of separately carved pieces but each flower is made out of one solid piece of ivory. Such carvings were produced during the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 1976) for export to the West in order to generate foreign exchange. Size without stand: Height 12.8 cm. Width 8.3 cm. Depth 4.0 cm.