Pinwheel Toy Item Number: Edz1090 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wire frame in shape of t with two cross-pieces; four small pin wheels attached to ends of cross-pieces and one 10.5 cm from bottom of handle. Brass horse with Chinese character on back at top, below which is larger pinwheel with bell at centre, below which is rectangular plaque with four Chinese characters.
History Of Use
Purchased after visit to a temple or religious festival. May be played with by children or placed on family altar. Motion may have historical relationship to Buddhist prayer wheels.
Cultural Context
pilgrimage souvenir
Iconographic Meaning
Red and gold are auspicious colours in Chinese culture, protecting people from evil influences; activity, noise, and movement are also antithetical to evil. Bells have auspicious connotations, associated with temples, religious observances, and exorcism. The horse is symbolic of speed and perseverance. The Chinese characters mean 'good fortune' and 'progress, progress to high prosperity'.
Item History
- Made in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China before 1979
- Collected by Elizabeth L. Johnson during 1979
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson before March 17, 1980
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 17, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Field Collector
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Previous Owner
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China
When
- Creation Date
- before 1979
- Collection Date
- during 1979
- Ownership Date
- before March 17, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 17, 1980
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0610/0060