East Asia, China, late Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful pair of cast-bronze lute or pipa-shaped locks. The locks are cleverly designed with a pin-shaped shackle on the back that rests in a loop catch. To unlock, the key is inserted into the body as shown. The neck of the lute could be removed from the body, and the shackle rod could then be inserted through ring handles on a door or cabinet. The lute was not only functional as a lock but also ornamental. A dragon is in relief in the center of one and phoenix is cast on the other. Green jadeite cabochons are inlaid on the head of each lute. The ovoid key handle is also decorated with a head-form detail. Both are professionally mounted in a modern glass frame and are ready to display. Size of lute: 6" L x 1.5" W (15.2 cm x 3.8 cm); frame: 19.5" L x 15.5" W (49.5 cm x 39.4 cm)

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Asian Treasures, Colorado, USA

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#163798

Dark patina. Minor bending to tuning pegs. Minor surface scratches, otherwise intact and very good. Mounted in a modern wood and glass frame.