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 DynastyChinese Wu Zi Deng Ke Charm
(Zhuang Yuan Ji Di)
清 五子登科花錢
(背狀元及第)
Item number: A122
Year: Qing Dynasty, AD 1636-1911
Material: Brass
Size: 25.0 x 25.0 mm
Weight: 3.18 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This item is a “Wu Zi Deng Ke (Five Sons Achieving Success)” Chinese charm. The inscription on the obverse reads “Wu Zi Deng Ke” (Five Sons Achieving Success) while the inscription on the reverse reads “Zhuang Yuan Ji Di (Top Scholar)”. It belongs to the category of auspicious money.
The term “Zhuang Yuan Ji Di (Top Scholar)” is an ancient designation for those who achieved the highest rank in imperial examinations. The story of “Wu Zi Deng Ke (Five Sons Achieving Success)” originates from folklore. According to tradition, during the Later Zhou dynasty of the Five Dynasties period, Dou of the Swallow Hills had five sons who were all virtuous and talented, and they consecutively achieved the highest rank in imperial examinations, hence the term “Five Sons Achieve Success.” This story is also found in the Three Character Classic: “Dou of the Swallow Hills had the right method. He taught five sons, each of whom raised the family reputation.”
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.