Gilt silver ‘Occupation’ amulet showing several objects on a 'bamboo' rice sieve. For the background story on the use of such sieve amulets see Quick Find 0289 & 3285. Depicted on this particular example are a ruler, scissors, scales, a book and a hand mirror. Occupation amulets such as this one were sewn on clothing to bring good fortune in the career and life of their owners. The mirror symbolizes ‘together’ and also scares off evil spirits. The amulet is of a good quality and dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912) or early years of the Republic Period (1912 – 1947). Diameter 2.7 cm. Depth 0.4 cm.