Two silver hat ornaments depicting soldiers in full body armor each riding a lion. The lion (shi) symbolized the highest military rank ‘Taishi’ during the Western Zhou period (1046 – 771 BC) and it is believed to offer protection from evil spirits. We have not yet been able to find out who the soldiers are but we believe that they are both generals judging by their elaborate body armor. They must represent deities or Immortals as they are standing on clouds. The hat ornaments date from the late Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Height 4 cm. Width 3 cm.