This is an antique fish-shaped lock from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The ancient Chinese legend of "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" tells of a carp in the Yellow River transforming into a dragon upon leaping over the Yellow River valley. This is a metaphor and symbol for promotion, success, rapid advancement, and striving for progress against the current. The "Dragon Gate" refers to the narrowest part of the Yellow River, where it rushes down from Hukou with a roar, now called "Yumen." Inspired by the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" legend, fish (carp)-shaped locks are relatively common among animal-shaped locks, symbolizing not only "success" and "progress" but also "fertility" due to the carp's prolific egg-laying. In the Joseon Dynasty, these locks, combining robustness and ornamentation, were widely used on high-end furniture such as Joseon chests and valuables boxes. By the way, as you may know, Joseon chests, unlike the multi-drawer Japanese tansu, often have a box-like (one-box) shape made of hardwood with a top half that opens and closes. They were used to store various items, including clothing, books, and ritual objects, and the metal fittings were decorative. Indeed, the fish-shaped locks seem to match the Joseon chests well. The fish-shaped lock for sale has a gentle U-shape, with decorations such as a series of small round patterns created by pressing chisels and the like, and semi-circular patterns mimicking scales, applied to one side without being overly ornate, from the head to the body and tail fins. The patterns on the head seem to vary. The material of the lock body is likely a nickel alloy, and the key is a copper alloy. Although the specific age is unknown, it is an antique item over 100 years old, and it is not difficult to imagine that it was used on Joseon chests due to its robustness and elegance. Although not very noticeable, there are some stains and scratches. On the other hand, there are almost no dents, deformations, looseness, or rust, and the luster remains. It can be unlocked and locked with the included key without any problems. The approximate size (cm) and weight are as follows: [Lock] Width 19, Height 10, Thickness 3 / Locking area (width x height) 6.5 x 1.2, shaft diameter 0.7 / Weight 655g / [Key] Length 15, Width 2.2 / Weight 92g / This is an antique fish-shaped lock from the Joseon Dynasty, symbolizing "success" and "fertility," evoking a sense of robustness, weight, and elegance. It can be used not only for collection but also for interior decoration. It can also be used for locking, but please understand that it is an antique item. Please be careful about losing the key and also about dropping or bumping it due to its weight.