Chinese Qing dynasty ornately carved rootwood fly-whisk handle. Fly-whisks were carried by Buddhist priests to wave away flies which, according to Buddhist tenets, they could not kill. The fly-whisk is also a symbol of leadership. 19th century. 10 3/8" long. Very good overall condition with a nice patina. There are a few thin cracks visible in the enlargements. This piece is from the private collection of American expatriates who lived in Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s. An example of a similar handle can be found on page 172-173 of "Wood from the Scholar's Table" published by the Altfield Gallery in Hong Kong, 1984.