Silver neck chain and attachment hooks which are shaped as Butterflies symbolizing Blessings and Joy. Plum flowers decorate their wings. The five petals of a Plum blossom symbolize the Five Blessings, Old age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. The butterflies at the ends of the chain have hooks which went into buttonholes at the top of an apron. Aprons started to be popular during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and they remained fashionable in the centuries thereafter. The silver buttons are hallmarked with the name Dai Zao (代造) who must have been the silversmith or perhaps the retailer. The chain dates from the end of the Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Chain: Length 50 cm. Butterfly hooks: Width 2.7 cm. Height 2.4 cm. Depth without hook 0.2 cm. Total weight 20 grams.