Boxwood case for folding spectacles. The carving depicts a Dragon on one side and a Phoenix on the other. The Dragon brings rain and therefore symbolizes Fertility. It is the ultimate symbol of the cosmic energy qi 气 and the most powerful symbol of Good Fortune. Ranked first among mythical beasts, the Dragon can bring rain to parched lands, which in turn represents Abundance and Relief. The Phoenix is the ‘Queen of Birds’ and symbolizes Good Fortune and Opportunity as it appears only in times of Peace and Prosperity. Together, the Dragon and the Phoenix symbolize a Perfect Marriage. The spectacle case is closed by a missing cord which was connected to the lid and ran through a hole in the top of the case. The case dates from the end of the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 10.3 cm. Width 6.3 cm. Depth 2.5 cm. This object is now owned by another collector.