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 Chinese Yi Ping Dang Zhao Zhuang Yuan Ji Di Charm
清一品當朝狀元及第花錢
(背魁星踢斗圖)
Item number: A127
Year: Qing Dynasty, AD 1636-1911
Material: Brass
Size: 45.0 x 45.0 mm
Weight: 21.89 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This object is a “Yi Ping Dang Zhao Zhuang Yuan Ji Di (Number One Scholar at the Imperial Court)” charm coin crafted during the Qing Dynasty. The reverse side features Kui Xing kicking the Big Dipper. It belongs to the category of auspicious coins. The phrase on the front signifies the highest official rank (yipin), and “Dang Zhao” refers to holding governmental power. Thus, the entire phrase conveys a wish for candidates to succeed in the imperial examinations and become top scholars and high-ranking officials. The reverse side depicts Kui Xing kicking the Big Dipper, with Kui Xing on the right side of the charm, pointing to the Big Dipper.
Kui Xing, traditionally considered the Deity of Examinations, also known as Da Kui Xing Jun or Kui Xing Ye, is believed in folklore to govern success in the imperial examinations. Many academies and educational institutions worship Kui Xing. According to legend, Kui Xing was highly knowledgeable and consistently excelled in examinations, but due to his extremely unattractive appearance, the examiners deemed him unsuitable for official positions and did not appoint him. After several setbacks, he drowned himself but was saved by an ao(鰲), a giant turtle, which carried him to the heavenly court where the Jade Emperor appointed him the Deity of Examinations, making him the protector of scholars. Legend has it that if a scholar’s name is marked by Kui Xing’s brush, he will excel in the examinations. A phrase related to Kui Xing is “Kui Xing points to the Dipper, to stand lonely on the ao’s head.” During the Tang and Song dynasties, the center stone slab of the palace’s main hall’s steps was carved with dragons and ao. Successful candidates would stand at the steps to receive their ranking, with only the top scholar (zhuangyuan) standing on the head of the ao to receive the honor, symbolizing preeminence and distinction.
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.