AboutShannon G. Expertise I, a native Chinese, born and grown up in China Mainland, am addicted to Chinese language and culture. So I'm willing to answer all your questions related to Chinese
Experience English to Chinese and Chinese to English translation and interpretation
Question I have a very nice set of 12 carved wooden, lacquered figurines, each about 2 inches long, representing the symbols of the Chinese Horoscope - the Rat, the Snake, the Tiger etc. They belonged to my mother, who died 20 years ago. I think they were actually made in China.
Are these likely to be valuable, or just a tourist's souvenir item? My mother had planned to visit China with a friend just after China was opened to the West, but became ill and never made it, so I know she valued them. The friend, who ended up travelling to China alone, may have given them to my mother, but I can't ask her as she has dementia.
Are there any superstitions attached to them if I sold them or gave them away? Would a Chinese family (neighbours of mine) be offended if I offered them as Thank You gifts for kindness they have shown me?
Sorry, I don't have a camera, so can't send photos of them. I live in Australia.
Answer sorry i cannot tell you whether it's valuable as i cannot see it. but usually it is a tourist's souvenir.
It's alright to give it away to someone else as a gift or just sell it. People won't feel offended. On the contrary, they will feel grateful. no superstitions at all.
