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Locks have been widely used in our daily life in the past thousands of years. The development of locks arises psychologically from practical needs on safety for individuals, for groups, or for individuals within groups. Following the progressive development of the society and the technology, the function of locks is getting complete. Not only the design of locks is greatly improved, but also the manufacturing of locks is more precise. Furthermore, the usage of locks has been extended from doors, chests, and boxes to desks, safes, vehicles, … etc.

According to the design principle, ancient Chinese locks have two types including the splitting spring lock and the combination lock. The splitting spring lock is most popular one in ancient Chinese. It uses the simple elasticity and the clever dimensions to tie in with the design of key. The locking and opening functions are generated. According to the outer shapes, the splitting spring locks have two types including broad lock and pattern lock. Most broad locks are made of bronze. The shape of broad lock is mostly like a rectangular one. The keyhole is normally on the sidewall of the lock-body. Sometimes it appears on the front side or the bottom side. The broad locks are used in doors, drawers, and boxes. Pattern locks get their names from the various, peculiar shapes of the locks. Not only they are equipped with the functions of protection and security but they are also of artistic value. This object is a broad lock engraved with characters.

L:15.60 cm X W:3.90 cm X H:2.20 cm

Ancient Chinese Locks

1900