Small silver lock decorated with the Chinese characters Wen Ming (文明) which means ‘civilization’ on one side and Lian Ying (;联营) or ‘joint action’ on the other. Depicted in the border are oars of grain (year) and a yet unidentified flower. The lock is hallmarked with the name Cai Yun (彩雲) who may have been the silversmith or the retailer. It dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 2.6 cm. Height 1.7 cm. Depth 1.1 cm. Weight 5.2 grams.