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!
Chinese Pin Zhong Lan Tai Charm
(Four People)
品重蘭臺花錢
(背四人)
Item number: A130
Year: ND
Material: Copper
Size: 51.73 x 51.73 mm
Weight: 37.85 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This object is a “Ping Zhong Lan Tai(品重蘭台)” Chinese charm, featuring a depiction of three individuals and one holding the halberd on the reverse side, falling under the category of auspicious money. The term “Ping Zhong Lan Tai” conveys blessings for the possessor to attain a high status akin to the Lan Tai. The halberd (戟) depicted on the reverse side corresponds phonetically to “auspicious” (吉) and “rank” (及), symbolizing auspicious blessings for success in the imperial examination.Lan Tai” symbolizes the Censorate, derived from the Eastern Han dynasty historian Ban Gu’s appointment as an official historian of the Lan Tai, tasked with writing history by imperial decree.
Yasheng coins, also known as “Yansheng coins” or “flower coins,” were not formal currency. Initially, they were primarily used for prayers for good fortune and to ward off evil spirits. Over time, their usage became more widespread. These coins were minted from the Western Han Dynasty to the early Republic of China, with a particular abundance and variety during the Qing Dynasty. Due to their non-circulatory nature, these coins typically exhibit coarse craftsmanship, lacking standardized weight and dimensions, and featuring varied designs. Consequently, these coins are collectively referred to as charm coins within folk parlance.