Superbly carved in the shape of a goose, this box is made of a pale green jade. The rendering of the goose is impressive and highlights the skills of the artisan who made it, with feathered wings detailed with plumage.

Among all birds, the wild goose (雁 yàn), probably has the most virtues in Chinese tradition. They are seen as benevolent, because they always fly in groups and the young and healthy birds don’t give up on the weak or old; they are disciplined, because a flock of wild geese can always keep formation; they are trustworthy, because they regularly and reliably migrate from north to south. And most importantly, they are believed to be loyal lovers that only have one partner for life.