Wrist rest; underside carved with “One Hundred Children at Play”

“One Hundred Children at Play” is a visual representation of the blessing of many male offspring, considered necessary for the continuation of the family line. This highly popular, auspicious subject was depicted in a wide range of media: painting, porcelain, embroidery, and carving. Here 53 boys – some playing children’s games, others imitating the activities of adult daily life – are carved on the inner side of a piece of ivory used to support the wrist while writing.