A square box made of mango wood, with a 10 × 10 cm base and a height of 6 cm. Tiny gold dots are scattered like stars over the dark blue coating of the lid. In the middle is a cream circle divided into twelve sections, each holding one of the zodiac constellations drawn in dots and lines. At its centre sits the Aquarius image, a large curling wave with the phases of the Moon lined up beneath it. The lid opens on two small hinges at the back, and a metal clasp holds it at the front. Made in India; you receive one box.
A wave instead of a water jar
Old star maps show Aquarius as a young man pouring water from a jar. In Greek myth he is Ganymede, cupbearer to the gods. On this lid only the water remains. The sign runs roughly from 20 January to 18 February.
Aquarians are said to go their own way. They enjoy trying something new and think highly of their friends.
An air sign with water in its name
Together with Gemini and Libra, Aquarius is an air sign, whatever its name suggests. Traditional astrology linked it to Saturn, while modern astrologers prefer Uranus, discovered in 1781. If several air signs celebrate in your family, you will find a box for each of them.
Shells and sea glass
If you bring home shells, smooth sea glass or a pretty pebble from your holidays, they have a good home under the wavy lid. It works for rings and earrings too. Inside, the wood is bare and unlined. Let wet shells dry first, as water is bad for the wood.
An Aquarius celebrating in late January or early February will find their own sign on this small gift. The box comes in all twelve zodiac signs.