Gilt silver hat emblem decorated with a Boy riding a Qilin which is a pun ‘May the Qilin bring you a son’ (qilin songzi). The Qilin is a mythical creature that has the same role as the stork in the West. The boy is wearing a gold crown which identifies him as a First Scholar. In one hand he holds an Osmanthus branch. The name of the Osmanthus is ‘Guiha’. The word ‘gui’ is homophonous with the word for ‘Distinguished’ (gui). A child holding an Osmanthus branch therefore represents a Distinguished son. In his other hand the boy holds the Fungus of Immortality, Lingzhi. On the right side is a Plum tree. The blossoms of the Plum tree have five petals which symbolize the Five Blessings, Old age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. On the left side is a structure with a round door which is called a moon gate (月门). These gates were originally only found in the gardens of wealthy Chinese nobles. The emblem dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 7 cm. Height 6 cm. Depth 2.2 cm.