Key Holder Item Number: Ed1.105 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

A chatelaine with a central flat rectangular panel of perforated brass with a raised design of nine coins at the centre with another above, flowers around the edges, two butterflies at either sides in between the top row of three coins, and the coin above, and two dragons at either sides on the top. The coins have various designs including fish, humans, birds, and animals. Strung on two double cords of yellow silk, each cord of which is then strung with a brass coin-like medal, ending in a red, orange, yellow, and green silk knot with five tassels. Five varied-coloured multiple-layered ribbons are also strung with medals at the bottom corners, and at the bottom centre, each decorated with five fabric flowers. Paint in some indentations.

History Of Use

Used as chatelaines or key carriers by women. They were given to brides or put together by them from the coin-like charms. They were believed to bring good luck to the wearer.

Iconographic Meaning

Various figures are good luck symbols on coins and brass panels, such as bats, deer, and the 'heavenly twins'.

Cultural Context

Key holder.

Item History

What

Name
Key Holder
Identification Number
Ed1.105
Type of Item
holder
Material
brass metal, paint, silver metal ?, cotton fibre, paper and silk fibre
Manufacturing Technique
sewn, struck, spun, woven, dyed, cast and painted
Overall
height 85.0 cm, width 27.0 cm, depth 1.7 cm

Who

Culture
Korean
Previous Owner
Marion Stephan and Charles H. Stephan
Received from
Charles H. Stephan (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Korea

When

Creation Date
before 1935
Collection Date
before 1935
Ownership Date
before January 10, 1977
Acquisition Date
on January 10, 1977

Other

Item Classes
metalwork
Condition
good
Accession Number
0352/0132