Charming silver waist ornament which consists of three levels connected by a chain. The top part is formed by a Chime (Qing) and two Fish (Shuangyu) which are a pun ‘May there be a Superabundance of auspicious Happiness’ (jiqing youyu). Two bells in the shape of Finger Citrons (Foshou) are a pun ‘Blessings (Fu) and Longevity (Shou)’. The centre of the ensemble is formed by a baby Boy who holds a Peach in his hands. In fact there are two boys as both sides of this pendant are the same. A little ‘willy’ peeps out from under the ‘dou dou’ (undergarment) of the boys. Dangling at the bottom are two more bells engraved with Peonies (Wealth & honor). This ensemble must have made a pleasant tingling sound when worn from the waist. There is little doubt that it was meant to be a wedding gift. The Boy symbolizes a wish for many sons and the Peach represents Longevity. In Chinese culture the absence of sons was a disaster. Wearing a small charm in the shape of a baby boy was supposed to ensure the arrival of a son. This unmarked set dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912). Total length 25 cm. Boy length 5.3 cm. Width 2.0 cm. Depth 1.3 cm.