Embossed silver hat ornament in openwork depicting two carp, a gate and two lotuses. A carp is a fish associated with success during the Civil Service Exams. According to Chinese belief the first carp (liyu) reaching the Dragon’s gate after an arduous swim up the river and across raging rapids would turn into a Dragon (long). This means that success can be achieved by hard work and by overcoming all difficulties. The Chinese express this in the following saying ‘May you pass the Civil Service Exams with distinction and become a High Official’ (yutiao longmen, yuyue longmen, yulong bianhua). Two Lotus blossoms grace the top of this ornament and symbolize Continuous Harmony. From the hat ornament which would be attached to the back of a child’s hat, dangle five bells which are decorated on one side with a Shou character (Longevity) and on the other side with a plum blossom (Five Blessings). It dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Total height 10 cm. Ornament: Width 6.2 cm. Height 3.8 cm. Depth 0.4 cm.