Silver pendant in the shape of a Boy riding on a Qilin. He holds a branch of coral in his hand which is very unusual. Coral is a precious object and one of the ‘Eight Treasures’ as well as a symbol of First Rank during the Civil Service Examinations. A boy riding on a qilin is a pun ‘May the Qilin bring you a son’ (qilin songzi). The Qilin is a mythical creature that has the same role as the stork in the West. The boy is wearing the crown and the long gown of a First Candidate during the Civil Service Exams. The pendant dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912). Width 5.9 cm. Height 6.3 cm. Depth 1.0 cm. Weight 23 grams.