Round box with design of dragons playing amid clouds

This lidded box features a meticulous execution of relief carving, which depicts two pairs of dragons playing amid floating clouds. They carry in their mouths the sacred lingzhi fungus that symbolizes longevity and prosperity. Because the dragon-and-cloud pattern symbolizes the imperial clan in China, many aristocratic families commissioned smaller dragons prancing among winding cloud designs. Likewise, auspicious patterns and designs originally used at court were later imitated by local workshops to meet the demands of wealthy families that wanted to display their status and prestige.