19th century

Snuff Jar with Lid

Besides depicting boys engaged in festive games such as playing with firecrackers and wooden toys, this decoration includes the famed story of Sima Guang, a statesman and historian of the Song dynasty (960–1279). When Sima Guang was a young boy he saved a friend who had fallen into a large water tank from drowning by breaking the vessel with a rock. In traditional Chinese culture, designs showing multiple male children frolicking together also convey the wish for many sons.