The abstinence period usually lasted for three days during which courtiers were to refrain from eating meat, drinking alcohol and having sexual intercourse. To signal a period of abstinence, pendant plaques were worn which displayed the inscription ‘No meat’ (Zhai jie) in both Chinese and the equivalent in Manchu. Surrounding the text on this plaque are Lotuses which symbolize Continuous Harmony. The plaque dates from the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Height 6.1 cm. Width 4.4 cm. Depth 1.2 cm. PRICE ON REQUEST.