Sleeve bands with One Hundred Boys motif

Sleeve bands were fashion statements in the latter part of the Qing dynasty (the nineteenth through the early twentieth century). When the wearer's arms were folded, the backs of the sleeves faced forward, so sleeve bands were elaborately embroidered only at the back. Married women wishing for more sons often decorate their clothing with the Hundred Boys motif. This harks back to King Wen of the Zhou dynasty (771–221 BCE), who sired ninety-nine sons and adopted one more son.

The boys are playing as well as acting out roles dear to their parents' hearts. Some of the boys pluck branches from osmanthus trees to signify the passing of their civil service examinations with top honors. Others (second group from bottom) try to snatch a helmet, signifying their resolve to achieve first place in the examination. Still others play with lanterns, catch butterflies with their fans, play chess, and participate in the dragon lantern dance.