Locks from the Orient

Brass and iron padlocks found in Europe and the Far East were popularized by the Romans and the Chinese. They were particularly favored because they were portable. They operated by keys that turned, screwed, and pushed. The push-key padlock was of simple construction, the bolt kept in locked position by the projection of a spring or springs. To unlock, the springs were compressed or flattened by the key, which freed the bolt and permitted it to slide back. Padlocks of this type are most universally used in the Orient today. The decoration reflects the arts of the countries, and shapes often took the form of animals - dragons, horses, dogs, even elephants and hippopotamuses. Padlocks were often presented in pairs as gifts, with congratulatory messages in cuneiform characters.