Antique Chinese Talisman Against Misfortune
Antique Chinese Talisman Against MisfortuneAntique Chinese Talisman Against Misfortune

Antique Chinese Talisman Against Misfortune

SKU: MHSACTAM1 Category: Tags: , ,

Product Description

Antique Chinese Talisman Against Misfortune

Material: Silver
Style: China
Size:  Height 36, Width of the horse  8 cm
Order Number: MHSACTAM1

The tradition of jewelry-making in China goes back at least to the Neolithic Period, and silver work at least as far back as 300 BC. Qing dynasty (1644 – 1912) silversmiths were expert in elegance, grace and beauty.

They lived in a dangerous world. Threats were attributed to the supernatural world – the displeasure of the gods or wicked spirits.  To appease them the Chinese wore talismans, amulets and charms. In the Qing dynasty they were mainly silver.
 
For prosperity, marital happiness, fertility and long life, a Qing dynasty family depended on silver animal amulets. Animals have always been very meaningful to the Chinese with many becoming the centres of cults.
 
In Qing culture the horse symbolised speed and endurance. It also represented a wish for high office, since officials were the only people allowed to ride horses.
 
The horse has a silver bridle. It may represent the Tibetan windhorse, which dispelled demons, illness and misfortune.
 
Unusually there are two silver coins, collectable items on their own. They are French Republic Indo China 20 cent coins. 
 
There are holes for the chain which obscures some of the words and numbers. Diameter: 26 mm.
 
The following seem likely:
 

Obverse

Marianne seated with fasces (Marianne has been the national symbol of France since the French Revolution and personification of liberty, equality and fraternity. Marianne is shown holding a fasces, a symbol of authority).

Date in exergue (small inscription below the principal emblem on a coin or medal).

Lettering:

REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE (Translation: French Republic)
BARRE? ( Engraver: Jean-Auguste Barre? Jean-Auguste Barre (1811 – 1896) was a French sculptor and medalist).

Reverse

Denomination within wreath.

Lettering:

INDO-CHINE FRANÇAISE?  (Translation: French Indochina)
20
CENT.
TITRE 0.680. POIDS 5 GR.4 (Translation: 0.680 purity, 5.4 grams)

Early 20th century.

There is an example in Four Centuries of Silver, Personal Adornment in the Qing Dynasty and After, Margaret Duda, Times Editions, 2002, page 88.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

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