Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty silver repoussé dragon baby lock. Pdvs1012

This beautiful piece is an antique Chinese two sided silver longevity lock pendant with applied Chinese characters, one of which translates to wealth.  Two dragons surround the text along the edges.  The design on the back is the same as the front.   Five small hanging loops at the base once held tiny bells or charms.  2 1/8" wide. 1 1/2" high. 3/16" in thickness.  11 grams.  This piece does not test for silver but looks to be silver over brass or a silver alloy.

This type of ornament would have been given to newborns or young childen as protective charms, symbolizing  a wish for good fortune, long life and safety from harm.  

This is an antique piece from the late Qing to early republic.  1900-1930. This piece came from the estate of a dealer who acquired many of these artifacts. They have become increasingly rare and today, some reproductions of much poorer quality are being produced.