#ampau

Lucky red envelope ['hong bao' in Mandarin; 'lai see' in Cantonese]. This envelope also incorporates a scratchcard competition on the back. Printed in multi-colour and gold on a red background. The flap has a scalloped edge and the envelope was sealed with a gold sticker bearing the inscription 福 [good fortune, blessing]. Hello Kitty in colourful robes holding a fan - with the inscription 福 [good fortune, blessing]. She stands in a background of colour and gold plum blossom and other flowers and gold dots. The inscription across the top reads 迎春接福 [Welcome spring, welcome good fortune]. The inscription invites the recipient of the envelope to scratch away at one of the six flowers to see their luck for the coming year. Among these six flowers are four more coloured flowers, and below is Hello Kitty in butterfly costume (pink dress, yellow wings with hearts), holding a pink heart with a bow. The repeated word 'love' forms a pattern on the heart. Given to one of Mrs Qiu's grandchildren at Chinese New Year, London, 2005.