Silver ‘Occupation’ amulet showing several objects on a sieve. When a Chinese boy had his first birthday celebration, the family wanted to know what kind of future he would have when he grew up. To that purpose a number of objects representing various professions was placed on a large wooden bamboo sieve. The boy would then be positioned in the centre of the sieve and the first object which he got hold off was supposed to foretell his destiny. The job of a tailor was represented by a scissors. An abacus or money scales meant that he would become a wealthy man. A ruler represented a cobbler and if he picked the book, he was destined to become a scholar. Occupation amulets such as this one were worn as lucky charms. In the centre a mirror is depicted which symbolizes ‘together’. The title of the book on this talisman is interesting because it mentions 1921 as the date of manufacture (Minguo Shinian) and the name of the silver smith Xu Yongxin. The quality is quite good and heavy and it dates from the Republic era (1912 – 1947). Diameter 3.1 cm. Depth 0.3 cm.