Key Holder

Item number Ed1.105 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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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

Made in Korea before 1935
Collected before 1935
Owned by Marion Stephan
Owned by Charles H. Stephan before January 10, 1977
Received from Charles H. Stephan (Donor) on January 10, 1977

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