White metal lock decorated with a man on horseback. A horse symbolizes Peace in China because Peaceful tidings were always brought by messengers on horseback. The same applies to the person on the right who holds firecrackers which are also a symbol of Peace. On the left is a person holding a fan which represents Longevity and Goodness. On both sides of the lock are depictions of water caltrops which is a fruit that resembles a Bat and therefore also symbolizes Blessings. On the other side of the lock are the characters ‘Chang Ming Fu Gui (长命富贵) which means ‘Long life and Prosperity’. The lock dates from the Republic era (1912 – 1947) when China was in turmoil. Width 6.4 cm. Height 4.5 cm. Depth 1.4 cm.