Lock Item Number: Ed1.179 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Iron lock with inlaid bronze ? designs on one side and on bottom; shaped like hollow rectangular cube, with projections from both ends of one side each 2 x 1.3 x 7cm. Between the 2 projections is a cylindrical iron rod, passing through the projection. Rod is attached to plug which is shaped to fit one end of lock; at opposite end is a rectangular perforation 1cm. long for insertion of key, which is missing. Inlaid design includes a central 'double happiness' character, and symmetrical fret and coil pattern; on projections are characters for 'to close' or 'preciousness' ? and 'riches'.

History Of Use

Used as a lock, probably to fasten the doors of a small closet or cabinet.

Cultural Context

for locking