Pair of large silver ornaments in the shape of boys. Both sides are decorated in the same way. Both boys are standing on a lotus flower (Continuous Harmony) and have another one over their head. Each boy holds an acanthus leaf which symbolizes Good Luck & Happiness (吉祥如意). The boys are dressed in a ‘Doudou’, a small triangular piece of underwear which was fastened with ribbons around the neck and the waist. In Chinese art, boys are often depicted wearing a ‘Doudou’ which gives them an undeniably cute appearance. The top of the ‘Doudou’ of these boys is engraved with a Cymbidium flower (Friendship and Grandchildren) and the lower part with a Plum flower representing the Five Blessings, Old age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. Dangling from the ornaments are bells decorated with Osmanthus flowers (Distinguished sons). We believe that these two ornaments which symbolize a wish for many sons, once graced the entrance of a bed. They date from the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 12.7 cm. Width 4.7 cm. Depth 2.0 cm.