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 spirts, etc. (Li, Min).

Representation of five harmful creatures on reverse: a three-legged toad, tiger, spider, snake, and centipede. A 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; design on reverse, animals including tiger, snake, and others, with leaves on top.