White metal lock decorated on one side with a boy, with a Lingzhi fungus over his shoulder, riding on a qilin. A boy riding a qilin 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. On the other side of the lock are four Chinese characters which form the expression ‘Chang Ming Fu Gui’ (Long Life and Prosperity). Attached to the lock are two small bells in the shape of melons (Many sons) and a seal (Power and Authority). The lock has been cleaned and dates from the Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length of the chain 19 cm. Lock: Width 5.0 cm. Height 3.5 cm. Depth 1.8 cm.