On the lid of this finely carved box are eight flying cranes and two peaches, both symbols of immortality, surrounded by a border of dragons and flowers. In each of the sixteen trapezoidal panels there is a combination of bird and intricately twined floral motifs. The background of these panels is painted in gold and outlined in silver, both of which were probably added at a later date. The footrim panels consist of mythical animals and horses flying over waves amid scrolled clouds. Octagonal boxes with high, domed-shaped lids such as this one were usually fitted with a tray for a set of cups. The themes of immortality make the piece a most suitable container for serving wine at birthday banquets. The box bears an inscription on the base stating that it was acquired by Jiang Xiazhang in the fifth year of the Longqing reign (1571).