Pictorial Charm Item Number: Edz4265 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, animal design including tiger and snake with leaves on top on reverse.

History Of Use

Probably used for hanging or display (Larson, David). An amulet used as part of ritual paraphernalia at the May 5th Festival to keep harmful things away such as: dangerous animals, poisonous bugs, evil spirits, etc. Presumably worn by children. Has small holes for stitching onto children's clothing (Li, Min).

Iconographic Meaning

Representation of five harmful creatures on reverse: three-legged toad, tiger, spider, snake, and centipede.

Item History

What

Name
Pictorial Charm
Identification Number
Edz4265
Type of Item
charm
Material
brass metal
Manufacturing Technique
cast and filed
Overall
height 0.13 cm, diameter 2.93 cm, weight 5.07 g

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 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
fair
Accession Number
0042/0067 j