清代純銀如意掛牌 (at right) An interesting Qing Dynasty silver locket with the characters of 文王百子 (Wen-Wang-Bai-Zi). The characters ”文王百子” first appeared in 詩經, the Classic of Poetry or the Classic of Song. The phrase refers to the Zhou King with a hundred sons or off-springs, a prosperity considered important in Chinese culture. This silver locket might have been part of a bride's dowry, a wish for the newborns to come soon. Underneath the characters is a large bat with extended wings. Bat has the same pronunciation as the character for Blessing (Fu, 福). There are also two coins on the two sides of the characters which symbolize “Wealth, Lu, 禄”. So, this is a silver locket bearing Fu-Lu-Shou (福祿壽 ）, three most sought after life's achievements in Chinese culture. The other side of this plaque is carved with floral motif."

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