A Rare Chinese Imperial Carved Heidao Nut Hard Pip Seed Miniature Sampan & Stand Pomegranate. 19th century or earlier. The back of the Sampan inscribed with a poem. The boat carved with numerous figures and two doors opening to reveal further figures inside.. 2.5cm high. 4.5cm wide. Nut carving, known as Hediao in Chinese, generally refers to two kinds of carvings that respectively use fruit stone (also known as the fruit's pit), like olive or peach stone, and walnut as the raw material. The art form is acclaimed for its delicate carving skills on the small fruit stones or walnuts, and is known as an "uncanny work of art" among the people. Provenance. Private Collection Cambridgeshire, England.