Silver waist ornament consisting of a smiling boy on a chain. The boy is of exceptional quality. Is he holding a Coin (Wealth) in his hand? His clothing is engraved with floral patterns and he has a lock around his neck. When a child was about three months old, it was usually given an amulet in the shape of a lock in the hope that the lock would tie the child down to prevent abduction by evil spirits. Wearing a charm in the shape of a baby boy was supposed to ensure the arrival of a son as the absence of sons was considered a disaster in Chinese culture. The hook of this ensemble is decorated with a Butterfly (Blessings & Happiness) and a Coin (Wealth). The bell which dangles at the bottom is embossed with Bamboo (Humility & Fidelity as well as Peace). The sash hanging dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Total length 30 cm. Boy length 5.9 cm. Width 2.2 cm. Depth 2.6 cm.