Gilt silver hat emblem in the shape of one of the three Star Gods. The three Gods or ‘Sanxing’ (三星) represent Prosperity (Fu), Status or Rank (Lu) and Longevity (Shou). Images of the Three Star Gods are commonly found in Chinese temples, in shops and in nearly every Chinese home. This is probably Lu as he is wearing an official’s cap. He is holding a small child on his arm. The cloud base confirms that he is an Immortal. Clouds also symbolize the ‘Granting of all wishes’. The back is marked Hong Mao (洪茂) who was probably the silversmith or retailer. The ornament dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Height 6.0 cm. Width 2.8 cm. Depth 1.2 cm.