A fine white jade and russet double box and cover, Qianlong. Photo: Bonhams

Crisply carved as two flattened hollow spheres joined to form a single vessel with the base slightly recessed, the cover carved through the russet skin in low relief with two linked coins encircled by two bats with wing tips touching to echo the shape of the box. 5.6cm (2 1/4in) long (2). Estimate £4,000 - 6,000 (€4,900 - 7,400)

Provenance: a European private collection, acquired in China by the great-grandfather of the present owner in the very early 20th century, and thence by descent within the family

Notes: The present box and cover is exquisitely carved, demonstrating the masterful craftsmanship of jade carving in the Qianlong period.

The combination of the double-cash and double bat represent the wish for wealth and the cash motif would be further associated with the immortal Liu Hai, who is often depicted with a string of cash.

For a similarly shaped box and cover, but produced in painted enamels on copper, Yongzheng mark and period, see V.Reynolds and Yen Fen Pei, Chinese Art from the Newark Museum, New York, 1980, pl.37.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street, 15 May 2014 - http://www.bonhams.com/