Gilt silver hat emblem decorated with the Three Star Gods playing a game of Chinese chess called Xiangqi (象棋) . Fu, Lu and Shou, the three Gods or ‘Sanxing’ (三星) represent Prosperity (Fu), Status or Rank (Lu) and Longevity (Shou). Images of the Three Star Gods are commonly found in Chinese temples, in shops and in nearly every Chinese home. This emblem shows them surrounded by auspicious symbols. There is an upside down bat (fu) which is a pun ‘Blessings have arrived’ (fudao). Upside down is ‘dao’ which also means ‘arrive’ (dao). The sacred fungus ‘Lingzhi’ grows on the left an symbolizes Longevity. On the right is a Plum tree with blossoms which represents the Five Blessings, Old age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. The back of the emblem is decorated in openwork with double coins, one of the Eight Blessings, and symbolizing Wealth. The emblem dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912). Width 7.3 cm. Height 5.9 cm. Depth 1.6 cm.