Silver pendant in the shape of a Boy seated on a Qilin with a ruyi scepter in one hand and a Pomegranate in the other. 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 ruyi scepter symbolizes ‘Everything you wish for’. The Pomegranate has many seeds and therefore represents a wish for many children. The boy wears the long gown of a First Candidate during the Civil Service Examinations as well as an interesting hat decorated with a Bat (Blessings & Riches). Dangling from chains are five agate objects, two Melons (Many Children), two unknown flowers and a Finger Citron (Blessings & Longevity). The pendant dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 8.1 cm. Height 7.5 cm. Depth 1.2 cm. Weight 52 grams.