Expert: Shannon G. - 8/9/2008

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.