Enameled silver clasp which once closed the high (choker) collar of a ladies’ dress. It is not hallmarked and made of a low-grade silver which was later enameled in a number of colors. The double butterfly-design and the chrysanthemum flower in the centre wish its owner a Happy Marriage (Butterflies) and a Long Life (Chrysanthemum). The Chinese word for Chrysanthemum (ju 菊) is similar in pronunciation to the word for ‘forever’ (yongjiu 永久). The collar dates from the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 4.8 cm. Width 2.4 cm. Thickness 0.4 cm.