Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Qing Dynasty, Eight Immortals
Han ZhongliCharm
清 八仙 漢鍾離仙花錢
Item number: A125
Year: Qing Dynasty, AD 1636-1911
Material: Copper
Size: 33.0 x 32.8 mm
Weight: 10.58 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This token is a part of the Eight Immortals charm series from the Qing Dynasty, featuring the depiction of Han Zhongli, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology.
On the obverse of the coin is the inscription in regular script, honouring the immortal as “Han Zhongli Xian.” The reverse side depicts the immortal’s image and his attribute: on the right side of the coin, Han Zhongli is shown vividly, while on the left side, his feather fan, which is his magical tool.
These coins, also known as “charms” or “amulet coins,” were cast for folk, religious, and ritual purposes, rather than for official circulation as currency. Similar types of charms exist in various ancient cultures, produced both officially and privately, featuring diverse and intricate designs. They were used for wearing, collecting, or gifting purposes and were highly valued by people. The production of “charms” in ancient China dates back to the Han Dynasty, reaching its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with almost every dynasty producing them.
The Eight Immortals are a group of eight legendary immortals in Taoism, each symbolising different social classes and age groups, encompassing “men and women, old and young, rich and poor.” Generally, they are recognised as He Xiangu, Han Xiangzi, Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe, Zhang Guolao, Li Tieguai, Lü Dongbin, and Zhongli Quan. The origin of the Eight Immortals can be traced back to the Tang and Song Dynasties, but their legendary stories and religious significance were not firmly established until the Ming and Qing Dynasties when they were extensively documented in literature, gradually gaining popularity among the common people. Among them, Han Zhongli, whose real name is Zhongli Quan, bears the compound surname Zhongli. Due to his historical prototype being a military general from the late Eastern Han Dynasty, he is also referred to as Han Zhongli. His appearance is often depicted as a robust elderly man holding a palm-leaf fan. He represents the “wealthy” among the eight statuses and positions.
Han Zhongli’s father was also a general, and Han Zhongli himself became a general as he grew up. Therefore, he was raised in a wealthy environment and held a certain social status. However, he was eager to use his wealth to help the poor. It is said that Han Zhongli could use his palm-leaf fan to drive away demons, turn stones into gold, and even summon wind and rain. In Taoist stories, he also assisted Lü Dongbin in attaining immortality and taught Lü Dongbin the art of turning stones into gold.
These charms engraved with the images of the Eight Immortals are considered symbols of auspiciousness and warding off evil. It is believed that placing these coins in the home can change one’s luck and receive blessings. Depending on the placement direction, they are also believed to bring different Feng Shui effects.