Shopkeeper’s Money Box with Blessings
Southern China
Late 19th/early 20th century
Wood, bamboo
H: 7 in x W: 14.75 in x D: 11.75 in
Two dragons sit surrounding a pearl of wisdom on the front cover of this unique bamboo box. The text on the box reads… “The business is prosperous and brings in a lot of money.” There are circle shapes along the borders of the box which represent coins. On the lower portion of the front, Chinese characters list four riddles and state, “If you answer all four correctly you will be given a fifth blessing”.
The blessings are described as:
1. May you have many sons.
2. May you be a righteous gentile man.
3. Be wealthy.
4. Have a long life.
5. Have a good death.
The blessings are described as:
1. May you have many sons.
2. May you be a righteous gentile man.
3. Be wealthy.
4. Have a long life.
5. Have a good death.
Inventory # 105437
Price on request