Amulet Item Number: 807/7 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Three dimensional brass coloured figure sitting on the back of a four-legged animal. Animal figure is decorated with series of dots on legs, and human has series of dots near neck. There are two small rings attached to the top of the piece on either side of the figure and one ring attached to the bottom of the piece, directly under the sitting figure.
History Of Use
Amulets of this type used to be sewed to special hats worn by baby boys and small male children. These hats often were given to the babies by their maternal grandmothers. They were worn by the boys on special occasions such as festivals. The amulets had many forms: deities, animals, birds, fish, and Chinese characters, normally with auspicious meanings. They had generally gone out of use by the time of collection (1981) and were sold as antiques.
Iconographic Meaning
The amulets were both auspicious and protective. This amulet represents a Chinese unicorn, a supernatural animal with auspicious qualities.
Narrative
This amulet was purchased as an antique in a shop in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Item History
- Made in China
- Collected during 1981
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson before May 14, 1982
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Donor) on May 14, 1982
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- China
When
- Collection Date
- during 1981
- Ownership Date
- before May 14, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on May 14, 1982
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0807/0007