The phoenix (feng) and dragon (long) are a typical wedding motif. They are considered as the most auspicious of all mythical creatures. The dragon and the Phoenix present happy omens (longfeng chengxiang). The little child riding the phoenix symbolizes the wish for many children. On the other side of this unmarked silver lock is the expression ‘Chang Ming Bai Sui’ (Long life and Wealth). The two facing dragons are a pun ‘Happiness when meeting again’ (xi xiangfeng). The lock dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 6.3 cm. Height 5.0 cm. Depth 0.6 cm.