Silver gilt and enameled hat ornament decorated with the three Star Gods, Fu, Lu and Shou. The three Gods or ‘Sanxing’ (三星) represent Prosperity (Fu), Status or Rank (Lu) and Longevity (Shou). Images of the Three Star Gods are still very popular in China and are commonly found in Chinese temples, in shops and in nearly every Chinese home. In this ornament they show a scroll with the names of the Gods Fu, Lu, Shou (福禄寿) which mean Prosperity, Status and Longevity. They are surrounded by clouds which emphasize their divine status and the top one holds a Lingzhi fungus which symbolizes Longevity. From the hat ornament which would be attached to the back of a child’s hat, dangle five Baskets (Longevity & Abundance) filled with Lingzhi fungus (Longevity) and Lotus blossoms (Continuous Harmony). The ornament is marked Tian Lv (添鋁) and dates from the Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 5.1 cm. Height 2.9 cm. Depth 0.2 cm.