Pictorial Charm

Probably used for hanging or display (Larson, David). An amulet used as part of ritual paraphernalia at the May 5th Festival to keep away harmful things such as: dangerous animals, poisonous bugs, evil spirits, etc. The small hole seems to indicate that the charm may have been attached to children's garments (Li, Min).

Representation of five harmful creatures on the reverse: a three-legged toad, tiger, spider, snake, and centipede which is the southern variation of representing the "Five Poisonous/Vicious" creatures in Chinese folk culture.

Round, square hole in centre, inner and outer rims on both sides, four Chinese characters on obverse, animal design including tiger, snake, and others, with leaves on top on reverse.