EXTREMELY RARE FIND | ANTIQUE CHINESE SILVER LONGEVITY LOCK NECKLACE.
An absolutely extraordinary antique Chinese Qing Dynasty / early 20th-century sterling silver “Longevity Lock” necklace, richly decorated with traditional auspicious imagery and strung with vibrant coral turquoise gemstone beads, together with beautifully worked sterling silver beads and charms.
Known as a Shòu Suǒ (壽鎖) or Longevity Lock, these treasured amulets were traditionally given to children and loved ones as symbols of protection, long life, good fortune and health. Symbolically, the lock was believed to “lock in” life and happiness while guarding its wearer from misfortune.
The generously sized central silver lock is wonderfully sculptural, with its distinctive rounded, cloud-like form and tiny rattling elements adding movement and sound.
One face is beautifully worked in high relief with guardian-lion-like creatures surrounding an auspicious central motif, creating a wonderfully powerful image of protection.
The opposite face carries a bold archaic/seal-script style Chinese inscription, surrounded by bats and symbolic decoration — giving the pendant tremendous character from every angle.
Suspended beneath are three articulated dangles, including ornate silver gourd-like drops and a colourful central coral/turquoise bead ornament. Gourds have a particularly auspicious place in Chinese symbolism and are traditionally associated with longevity, health and abundance.
The necklace itself is just as special, combining aged silver chain with individually strung coral and turquoise beads and beautifully decorated silver barrel beads.
The silver also bears an old punched character mark, visible on the body of the lock.
Comparable complete antique Chinese longevity-lock necklaces with elaborate silverwork and coral/turquoise elements can be offered in the region of £350–£600 (approximately R8,000–R13,500), depending on age, authenticity, condition, silver content and provenance.
Measurements :The lock pendant measures 5.4cm x 4.2cm excluding the dangle pendants.The necklace with a length of 60cm and total weight of 63grams.
