Very small seal carved from a piece of walnut. Such seals were often worn as beads which explains the hole through the centre. On the other side is a carving of the ‘Three Friends of Winter’, the Pine tree, Plum flower and Bamboo. The Pine tree and the Bamboo remain green even in icy winters while the Plum is the first to bloom every year. They are admired for their resistance to the elements and all three are symbols of Longevity. The material from which this small gem is carved, is very hard and therefore difficult to carve. The seal dates from the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 2.3 cm. Width 1.8 cm. Height 1.6 cm.