Red Lacquer Ruyi Box

This finely lacquered box was once presented as a gift, filled with popular snacks like roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon-toasted soy beans. The lightweight box is formed in the shape of a ruyi scepter, a symbol of prosperity and a traditional gift to newborn boys. The box is decorated with intricately designs painted atop a layer of bright red lacquer. A variation of the double dragon motif, a dragon and a phoenix swirl through trailing vines around a central flower blossom, which here takes the place of the flaming pearl, an emblem of the sun, balance, and power.