This metal Chinese dragon, Qilin-shaped lock (Qing Dynasty) is made of copper and a tiny western-style lock is kept in its mouth. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

An antique lock exhibition that recently opened in Xiamen Museum will run through April 18 to show the long history of China's lock culture, Xiamen Daily reported on March 11.

A total of 130 ancient metal locks from Fujian province's Sanming Museum are on display.

Horizontal-type locks,pattern locks, jewelry locks and torture locks are the four major lock designs of ancient China.

Sanming city, rich in copper, tin and other mineral resources, boasted a thriving handicraft industry from the Sui Dynasty (581-618) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Because of its special geographic position, earthen fortresses were used in the area to keep out bandits and lock manufacturing thus enjoyed prosperous development.