Pictorial Charm

About this object

History of use

Design similar to a coin, but too large to circulate; a charm with a good-luck message; not from the period it purports to be from (Larson, David).

Iconographic meaning

The combination of bull and figure may suggest Lao-tzu, the Daoist philosopher (Li, Min).

Physical description

Round, square hole in centre, inner and outer rims on both sides, four characters on obverse in seal script, design on reverse, bull at top, turtle with vapour at bottom, astrologer right, and crane left.