Pictorial Charm Item Number: Edz4175 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Round, square hole in centre, inner and outer rims on both sides, four Chinese characters on obverse; leafy pattern, resembling a simplified dragon and phoenix on reverse.

History Of Use

Design similar to a coin, but too large to circulate; not from the period it purports to be from. (Larson, David)

Iconographic Meaning

The representations of a dragon and a phoenix or a "double dragon" chasing a flaming pearl are common auspicious images in any context in ancient China. They were not restricted to any particular class. (Li, Min)

Item History

What

Name
Pictorial Charm
Identification Number
Edz4175
Type of Item
charm
Material
brass metal
Manufacturing Technique
cast and filed
Overall
height 0.11 in, diameter 1.5 in, weight 0.693 oz

Who

Culture
Chinese
Previous Owner
Colin Campbell Brown and Hugh Campbell Brown
Received from
Hugh Campbell Brown (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
China

When

Creation Date
between 1506 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
0042/0038 aa