Coin-Like Charm
Item number Edz4153 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Round, square hole in centre, outer rims on both sides, two Chinese characters in seal-script on obverse, design on reverse; star top, two stars left, four stars bottom, moon right, inner rim on reverse.
History Of Use
A coin-like charm, which could have circulated; not from the period it purports to be from. (Larson, David) These were Ming-Qing reproductions of Wuzhu, the standard currency of China between the 1st century B.C. and the 7th century A.D. In later historical periods, these coins were attributed with magical and pharmaceutical value as archaic relics. Ming medical encyclopedias mention that Wuzhu coins were ground up and mixed with other ingredients for treating women. Daoist practitioners also use these ancient coins in their rituals. Some Wuzhu did bear symbols of religious and auspicious connotation, such as star constellations. These were rare and highly desireable. The specimens in the Campbell Brown Collection represent a modified imitation of the original Han coins and have religious symbols for the purposes mentioned above, (with the exception of pharmaceutical, which requires genuine coins with a patina). These charms were created in the form of ancient charms for a special purpose. They may be passed on as forgeries of ancient charm coins depending on the circumstances. (Li, Min)
Item History
- Made in China between 1368 and 1911
- Collected between 1893 and 1911
- Owned by Colin Campbell Brown
- Owned by Hugh Campbell Brown before February 1, 1961
- Received from Hugh Campbell Brown (Donor) on February 1, 1961
What
- Name
- Coin-Like Charm
- Identification Number
- Edz4153
- Type of Item
- charm
- Material
- brass metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast and filed
- Overall
- height 0.07 in, diameter 1.0 in, weight 0.112 oz
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- China
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Colin Campbell Brown and Hugh Campbell Brown
- Received from
- Hugh Campbell Brown (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- between 1368 and 1911
- Collection Date
- between 1893 and 1911
- Ownership Date
- before February 1, 1961
- Acquisition Date
- on February 1, 1961
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0042/0031 hhh
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