When we acquired this object, the artist informed us that the material from which it is made is a hippo tooth. This seems plausible as the ivory does not show the typical striations of elephant ivory. The carving is beautifully done. The smiling face of the boy is tranquil and he seems to be absorbed in thought. His cloak is decorated with coins which tally with the gold ingot in his hands as both symbolize a desire to become wealthy. The bottom is signed with the name of the maker Hong Chang (宏长) who created an exceptional piece of art. Height 7.5 cm. Width 5.5 cm. Depth 4.2 cm.