Silver, partly gilt, ring decorated with a Gate and something in front of it which we believe is a Dragon. Is this perhaps the famous Dragon Gate which can only be passed with great efforts and therefore symbolizes the hurdle which has to be taken during the very difficult Civil Service Exams? In that case it refers to the wish to become a ‘Scholar’. Or is the object a Peony flower (fugui hua) which together with the Cranes (yipin niao) that are positioned on both sides of the building form the pun ‘May you become an official of the First Rank and gain Prosperity (yipin fugui)? Cranes also symbolize Immortality. The ring which has some minor wear and tear dates from the early Qing period (1644 – 1912) but may even be older. Inside diameter 1.8 cm. Width 1.1 cm.