Silver pendant in the shape of a ‘Dragon fish’. Dragon fishes are mythical creatures with a dragon’s head and a fish tail. They were thought to be fish which transformed into dragons after they went through the ‘Dragon’s gate’ which was located at the source of a river with almost unsurpassable rapids which could only be achieved with great efforts. A Dragon fish therefore symbolizes a wish to be successful during the Civil Service Examinations in order to attain a ‘High status’. A short chain is attached. The pendant dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912). Width 4.3 cm. Height 2.5 cm. Depth 1.0 cm.