The Chinese refer to Mandarin ducks as yuanyang, where yuan and yang respectively stand for male and female mandarin ducks. In traditional Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are believed to be lifelong couples, unlike other species of ducks. Hence they are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity, and are frequently featured in Chinese art. This white jade box is with a fine cover carved in low relief with pair of ducks swimming beneath a large lotus flower and a poetic inscription to the interior, the box with further lotus.