Miniature object which was made from the kernel of a Chinese ‘gânlan’ fruit. It dates from the latter part of the 20th century and it is not signed. We believe that the rough carving was done with a rotary tool, perhaps a high speed dental drill. Details were added using a sharp knife. The item depicts a Boy clutching a huge Fish, together symbols of a wish to have many Sons (Boy) and Abundance (Fish). The Fish itself, because of its reproductive powers, also signifies Marriage and the birth of many children. The backside of this object depicts a lotus leaf whereas a lotus flower can be seen on the front. The Chinese word for Lotus is ‘Lianhua’ (莲花) or ‘Hehua’ (荷花). ‘Lian’ is also the pronunciation of the word for Continuous (连) and ‘He’ sounds like the word for Harmony (和) so the hidden meaning of the lotus is ‘Continuous Harmony’. Length 3.6 cm. Diameter 1.8 cm.