18th century Chinese (Qing dynasty) carved wood belt toggle (zhuizi or 墜子) with printing seal base. This miniature sculpture of a Buddhist Lion is carved from boxwood(huangyangmu) with a warm patina. It was believed that boxwood was an auspicious evergreen, known for its durability through the seasons and purported medicinal benefits. This piece would have served as a weighted holder that hung over a sash belt, connected to a small pouch for tobacco or necessities. An unusual addition to the base is a carved seal in stylized Chinese characters (漢字 or hanzi) resembling ideas of happiness and longevity.

8.5 x 5 cm