1990s Iradj Moini Minaudiere Clutch Lock Evening Bag Tassels Gemstones Rhinestones Crystal Vintage

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Iradj Moini Minaudière in Chinese Lock Motif
• Brown, Gold & Metallic Acrylic
• Gold-plated brass Hardware
• Crystal & … Read more Iradj Moini Minaudière in Chinese Lock Motif
• Brown, Gold & Metallic Acrylic
• Gold-plated brass Hardware
• Crystal & Tassel Accents
• Unlined
• Flap Closure at Front
. 4.5 x 1.5 x 5.25 inch

Lock Motif
When Chinese sons were born, they were sometimes gifted with decorative talismans shaped like lock made of materials such as jade or metal; boys who wore them were believed to be "locked" to earth and therefore would not die.

A Chinese lock charm with the inscription cháng mìng fù guì (長命富貴, "longevity, wealth, and honour"). This inscription is commonly found on Chinese numismatic charms.
Lock charms (Traditional Chinese: 家鎖 / 鎖片; Simplified Chinese: 家锁 / 锁片; Pinyin: jiā suǒ / suǒ piàn; Literally translated: "Family lock" or "lock piece") are Chinese numismatic charms shaped like ancient Chinese security locks. Their shape resembles a basket[1] or in most cases the Chinese character for "concave" (凹). The pendants tend to be flat, without any moving parts, or the functionality of the locks they symbolize. They are decorated with both Chinese characters and symbols. Like other types of Chinese numismatic charms, lock charms are meant to protect the wearers from harm, misfortune, and evil spirits, and to bless them with good luck, longevity and a high rank (through the imperial examination system). In particular, this talisman is meant for young boys, to help "lock" them to the earth, to guard them from death. See less