Silver necklace and enameled silver lock decorated on one side with two Fu dogs, also known as Buddhist Lions. They symbolize Harmony, Blessings, Protection as well as High Rank in China. Depicted on the same side is a Plum flower which with its five petals symbolizes the Five Blessings, Old Age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. A Lily bulb on the right is a typical wedding symbol and represents Harmony and Unity. On the other side of the lock is the text ‘Bai Jia Suo’ (百家锁) which means ‘Protected by a hundred families’. When a child was about three months old, it was usually given a silver, gold or jade amulet in the shape of a lock in the hope that the lock would tie the child down to prevent abduction by evil spirits. In some areas of China money would be donated by a hundred families to purchase a silver lock and consequently the child would then have the protection of these hundred families. This is such a lock. It has seen some extensive use as some of the enamel has rubbed off. Four round bells are attached to the lock which dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 6.2 cm. Height 4.8 cm. Depth 1.1 cm.