Very delicate silver apron chain with rounded attachment buttons. Very delicate silver apron chain with rounded attachment buttons. The button attachments at the ends of the chain have hooks which went into buttonholes at the top of an apron. Aprons started to be popular during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and they remained fashionable in the centuries thereafter. Attached to the chain are two charms, a Lock and a Fu dog or Buddhist Lion. The Lock was worn in the hope that it would tie down the person wearing it and thus prevent abduction by evil spirits. It is decorated with a Plum flower which has five petals symbolizing the Five Blessings, Old age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. The Buddhist Lion symbolizes a wish for Harmony, Blessings, Protection as well as obtaining a High status. A bell in the shape of a Peach (Longevity) is attached to both charms. The fineness of the chain makes us believe that it once belonged to a young girl. It dates from the late Qing (1644 - 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947. Total length 49 cm. Width of the lock 2.1 cm.