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Belt ornaments (pair)

approx. 1850-1900

Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, United States

This pair of ornaments incorporates a wish for success in examinations. Each is in the shape of a carp supporting a "dragon gate"; the leaping of the carp symbolizes success in exams. The gates themselves are marked in ink with the phrase "the five sons passed the test" (wuzi dengke), a reference to the five famous smart sons who all achieved such success.

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  • Title: Belt ornaments (pair)
  • Date Created: approx. 1850-1900
  • Location Created: China
  • Physical Dimensions: H. 9 in x W. 5 in, H. 22.9 cm x W. 12.7 cm
  • Rights: Public Domain
  • Medium: Embroidered silk gauze and paper
  • Credit Line: Asian Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Ursula W. Bingham, 1988.32.3
Asian Art Museum

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