This page serves as "the editing history" of the English Wikipedia articles " Cash coins in art", " Qianlong Tongbao", and " Taoist coin charm" (among others) and is preserved for attribution.
At the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Forbidden City, Beijing there is a coin dragon (traditional Chinese: 錢龍; simplified Chinese: 钱龙; pinyin: Qián lóng) made of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins, this sculpture was created during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735–1796) and was only discovered in 2017 during a renovation of the palace. [1] [2]
At the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Forbidden City, Beijing there is a coin dragon (traditional Chinese: 錢龍; simplified Chinese: 钱龙; pinyin: Qián lóng) made of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins, these cash coins are all about 2.8 centimeters in diameter and are identical in every way to those that were minted for normal circulation. [1] [2] But as none of the Qianlong Tongbao used for this coin dragon show any wear it seems that these were all freshly cast for the creation of this sculpture. [1] [2]
The coin dragon's backboard is composed of paperboard on which a colourful Chinese dragon is painted. The strings of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins create the form of a Chinese dragon, these cash coins are attached to the paperboard backboard and Hall of Mental Cultivation's roof beam by "gold-plated round-head copper nails". [1] [2] The coin dragon is 182 centimeters (5.97 ft) in length and 47 cm (1.5 ft) in height. [1] [2]
According to Mr. Zhou Qian (周乾), a researcher at the Palace Museum, the Qianlong Tongbao coin dragon could be described as "About 2 meters long, mighty and shocking with fierce teeth and dancing claws, creating clouds and driving the mist" (该钱龙长约2米,张牙舞爪,做腾云驾雾状,形象威武,极具震慑感。). [1] [2]
As no known historical documents recorded the existence of this coin dragon it is possible that it was in fact meant to remain a secret hidden away from sight. [1] [2]
The coin dragon was likely installed during a Shang Liang (traditional Chinese: 上樑; simplified Chinese: 上梁; pinyin: Shàng liáng) ceremony, this is evident of the remnants of the red silk satin from this topping-out ceremony which occurred several centuries ago. Shang Liang ceremonies were the main roof beam of a palace building was raised and installed. [1] [2] During these ceremonies Good luck charms, which frequently included cash coins, would traditionally be attached to one of the palace's roof beams in order to provide protection from evil spirits, fire, and other potential disasters. There would also be good luck charms that included wishes for peace and good fortune. [1] [2] The coin dragon thus serves as the supreme representation of the Chinese belief in numismatic charms as objects with supernatural powers which are able to defeat ghosts and demons, deter disastrous events, and bring both peace and good luck to those in possession of them. [1] [2]
While dragons had been symbols of imperial authority for centuries this is the only coin dragon ever known to have been created in the history of the Chinese Empire. [1] [2] The reason why a coin dragon was created during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor was because the Mandarin word for "Coin dragon" (Qián lóng) sounds like the reign name of the emperor (Qián lóng) meaning that it was seen as a fitting tribute to the supreme authority of the Qing empire and as it was made of cash coins it could be seen as a symbol of wealth to represent the power and prosperity of the Qing. [1] [2]
What remains an unsolved mystery is the fact that every leg of the coin dragon only has 4 claws on each leg as opposed to five, as imperial dragons are typically five-clawed as only the emperor and his immediate family could display five-claw dragons, while three-clawed and four-clawed dragons were symbols of government officials below the emperor. [1]
List of 2017 coin hoards in Mainland China | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date of discovery | Place of discovery | Image | Content | Long description of the find and notes | Date (if known) |
Current location (if known) |
2017 | Hall of Mental Cultivation, Forbidden City, Beijing | A " Coin dragon" (錢龍 / 钱龙, "Money dragon"). | On 4 December 2020 Mr. Zhou Qian (周乾), a researcher at the Palace Museum, reported in the Science and Technology Daily that in 2017 a "coin dragon" made of Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) cash coins was discovered at the Hall of Mental Cultivation during a renovation. [1] [2] The coin dragon was found to be attached to the side of the ridge beam supporting the roof. [1] [2] In imperial China a grand ceremony always took place at the Hall of Mental Cultivation known as the Shang Liang (traditional Chinese: 上樑; simplified Chinese: 上梁; pinyin: Shàng liáng) when the main roof beam of a palace building was raised and installed. [1] [2] | The Qianlong reign period (1735–1796). | Palace Museum, Beijing | |
2017 | Hall of Mental Cultivation, Forbidden City, Beijing | A treasure box (traditional Chinese: 寶匣; simplified Chinese: 宝匣; pinyin: Bǎo xiá) attributed to the year Jiaqing 6 (嘉慶六年) containing various treasures including 5 sycees made from 5 different types of metal and 24 golden Tianxia Taiping (天下太平) cash coins. | The discovered treasure box included an image of a five-clawed azure dragon, who is one of the dragon gods of the Five Deities (五帝) which is associated with the five colours (五色), five phases (五行), etc. [1] The treasure box is 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) on the sides (making it square in shape) and 6.5 centimeters (2.6 inches) in height. [1] It was uncovered during a renovation of the Hall of Mental Cultivation and was sealed under a roof. [1] The treasure box contained various items inside of it including Buddhist sutras, gems in five colors (五色寶石), satins in five colors (五色緞), silk threads in five colors (五色絲線), five spices (五香), five herbal medicines (五藥), and five cereal seeds (五谷). [1] All of which were in a bad condition. [1] The treasure box also contained 5 sycees made of 5 different metals, namely tin, iron, copper, silver, and gold as well as 24 golden Tianxia Taiping (天下太平) palace cash coins. [3] [1] These palace cash coins contained the inscription "May the world be at peace" written in Chinese characters on one side and in the Manchu language on the other side. [3] [1] The the Tianxia Taiping palace cash coins found in the treasure box are 16 karats of gold and range from about 25.4 to 28.4 millimetres in diameter, they have a thickness of 1.7 to 2.1 millimeters, and weigh from 10.7 to 11.36 grams. [3] [1] | 1801 | Palace Museum, Beijing | |
2017 | Hall of Supreme Harmony, Forbidden City, Beijing | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. |
February 2017 | Gan River in Xingan County, Jiangxi | Over 500 kilograms of Qing dynasty cash coins | It was reported on January 5, 2017, that local villagers had dug up over 500 kilograms of Qing dynasty cash coins near the Gan River in Xingan County, Jiangxi. [4] The villlagers had occupied an area of 30 square metre and were excavating the site without permission, most of the villagers at the site were pensioners and children. [4] Eventually the local police force had to call in 20 reinforcements to cordon off the area so archaeologists could excavate the area later. [4] | Qing dynasty period |
There is a Song dynasty period Taoist pendant (plaque) charm with the inscription Changming Fugui written as "長命冨貴" instead of "長命富貴". [5] [a] This amulet is 31.5 millimeters in length and 24.5 millimeters in width. [6] The reverse side of this amulet depicts a Taoist deity known as the Star Official of Dominant Vitality (本命星官), depicted with with a halo around his head, wearing a long robe, and holding a Hu. [5] Above the head of the Star Official of Dominant Vitality is a raised dot representing the moon. [5] Some numismatists believe that the depiction of the Star Official of Dominant Vitality is done in the style of the Tang dynasty period painter Wu Daozi, specifically in the style of the painting " The Eighty-seven Immortals" (八十七神仙圖), which is currently (as of 2021) at the Xu Beihong Memorial Museum (徐悲鴻紀念館) in Beijing. [5] In Daoist thought, it is believed that each person is protected by the star god associated with the zodiacal year in which that person was born, as the charm depicts a dragon this charm is likely for those born in the year of the dragon. [5] Above the dragon is a round object representing the sun, inside of the it is the Chén (辰) character, which is the 5th of the Chinese Earthly branches, which also references the dragon zodiac. [5]
Both the inscription on the obverse side and images on the reverse side confirm that this amulet is in fact a "good luck" charm. [5] These types of charms were typically given to a newborn child or an infant having reached one-month of age, which in traditional Chinese culture is known as the mǎn yuè (满月). [7] [5] Due to its symbolism and association with the Star Official of Dominant Vitality, this Song dynasty period charm would have been especially appropriate for a young child that born in the Chinese year of the dragon. [5]
In 2009 one of these Song dynasty period amulets sold at the Chengxuan auction for $ 380 ( ¥ 2464). [8] [5]
During the Eastern Jin dynasty period in Chinese history the appearance of map-like charts began to be used as a guide in understanding the ultimate reality, i.e. the " true form” of things (真形, Zhēn xíng) according to Taoist thought, during Taoist pilgrimages to the sacred Five Great Mountains. [9] [10] According to Taoist thought the concept of a "true form" is the original, formless, inner shape of the mountain, as part of the Dao (道), as opposed to its physical, visible, outer shape in the material world. [9] In Taoist thought it is believed that if one can understand the true form of an object or a spirit, one can have a modicum of control over it. [9] Broadly speaking, the concept of a "true form" can apply to a deity, an icon, a purified self, a talisman, or a picture. [10] In Taoism the "true form" denotes the original shape something has as part of Dao, the inherent potency of an object, place, or a person as expressed in physical form, perfect form, etc. [10] Seeing "true forms" requires both religious discipline and practice. In many cases, Taoists associate the "true form" with the inner, invisible, and formless quality of an entity, contrary to the outer, the visible, and the concrete (see also: Theory of forms). [10]
People who were accustomed to living in the plains and valleys were typically less familiar with the topography of mountainous areas, the weather there, as well as the geology. [9] People from the plains and valleys feared the tigers and other "strange beasts" as well as the idea that these places were populated by local spirits and demons. [9] In the Taoist religion it is thought that sacred sites in the highest of places and, in particular, mountains and caves, are the very heart of a mountain and were a fountain of the vital life force known as Qi. [11] [9] According to ancient Taoist beliefs these sites surrounding mountains included forests and streams where one could find various types of medicinal plants and the ingredients for elixirs of life and pills of immortality. [11] [9]
Taoists advocate rigorous meditation and visualisation as the most efficient way to see the "true form" of any object, so Taoists frequently use a visual symbol known as the "true form chart" (真形圖, zhēn xíng tú) to visualise the "true form" of something. [10] It was during the Eastern Jin dynasty period that the True Forms Chart of the Five Sacred Peaks (五嶽真形圖 / 五岳真形图, Wǔyuè zhēn xíng tú) was created, this book included a chart that supposedly illustrated the "true forms" of the 5 sacred mountains in Taoism. [9] According to Ge Hong having a copy of the Wǔyuè zhēn xíng tú in your home enables you to deflect violent assault and repulse those who wish to do you harm, this is why charts based on this work appear on a number of Taoist plaque charms. [9] Taoists later created talismans (charms) which displayed these charts. [12] [9] A talisman was more conveniently carried on the wearer and would provide protection for those who sought the Dao in the sacred mountains of China as they would journey through them. [9] In Taoism, a talisman is a charm that includes fulu. [9]
“Others do not understand how to wear the divine talismans at their belt. Some do not obtain the methods to enter the mountains and let the mountain deities bring calamities to them. Goblins and demons will put them to the test, wild animals will wound them, poisons from pools will hit them, and snakes will bite them. There will be not one but many prospects of death.”
Plaque amulets with the inscription Wuyue Zhenxing (五嶽真形 / 五岳真形, "true form of the five peaks") were produced that were intended to be protective talismans that were carried by Taoist pelgrims through the sacred mountains. [9]
During the reign of the Qing dynasty one such amulet contained the inscription at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions are Chinese seal script characters. Reading top (五, Wǔ), bottom (嶽, Yuè), right (真, Zhēn), and left (形, Xíng). [13] [9] This amulet notably includes the "charts" ("true form" maps) of each of the Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism. [13] [9] In 2008 this Qing dynasty period charm sold at auction for $ 3,900 (¥ 25,300). [13] [9]
There is a variant Daruma doll which features Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, holding a Northern Wei dynasty period Taihe Wuzhu (太和五銖, tài hé wǔ zhū) cash coin. [14]
This numismatic variant of the Daruma doll features a number of differences from standard Daruma dolls, namely the fact that in this version Bodhidharma has visible fingers, this is because Daruma dolls typically don't have any limbs as according to a Japanese legend lost his limbs to atrophy after meditating in a cave for 9 years. [14] The presence of the Taihe Wuzhu cash coin on this datums doll is akin to the Chinese proverb "one’s eyes grow round with delight at the sight of money" (traditional Chinese: 見錢眼開; simplified Chinese: 见钱眼开; pinyin: Jiàn qián yǎn kāi), an expression that was first recorded in the work Jin Ping Mei. This is because the doll depicts Bodhidharma firmly clutching the coin. [14]
"Finally, we should not forget that Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who renounced the world, lived a very austere life in a cave, and spent a lifetime seeking true reality. Over the centuries, Daruma’s legacy in Japan has evolved to the point where dolls are made in his image to serve as good luck charms and coin banks. While the Japanese daruma dolls are very cute and symbolize perseverance, good luck and prosperity, the idea of associating the founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism with something as secular and mundane as money is not consistent with his teachings."
- Gary Ashkenazy (加里·阿什凱納齊), Bodhidharma Holding a Wu Zhu Coin (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture). [14]
The presence of a Taihe Wuzhu cash coin in this amulet is historically accurate as Bodhidharma lived in the territory of the Northern Wei around the time that the coin circulated in the Northern Wei dynasty capital city of Louyang and its surrounding areas. [14]
List of 1987 coin hoards in Mainland China | ||||||
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Date of discovery | Place of discovery | Image | Content | Long description of the find and notes | Date (if known) |
Current location (if known) |
5–12 May 1987 | Famen Temple, Famen town, Fufeng County, Shaanxi | 2,499 treasures from the Tang dynasty including gems, jewelry, art pieces, gold and silver utensils, and numerous silk fabrics woven with gold thread. This fine included more than 27,000 coins, mostly consisting of Tang dynasty period Kaiyuan Tongbao (開元通寶) and Qianyuan Zhongbao (乾元重寶) cash coins, including 13 Kaiyuan Tongbao turtle shell coins (traditional Chinese: 玳瑁幣; simplified Chinese: 玳瑁币; pinyin: Dàimào bì). | In 1987, during a renovation of the Famen Temple, a previously undiscovered underground "palace" was discovered under the foundation of the pagoda, this underground complex contained an intact and secret vaunt that had remained untouched by grave robbers and looters. [15] [16] The renovation took place after a large part of the pagoda collapsed due to heave rains in 1981, when the renovation started 6 years later the foundation of the wooden pagoda dating to the Tang dynasty period was discovered underneath the foundation of the damaged brick pagoda. [15] This discovery included many different treasures including the middle finger bone of the Buddha’s left hand. [15] This discovery did not come as a complete surprise, however, because historical documents clearly recorded that this "true relic" (traditional Chinese: 靈骨; simplified Chinese: 灵骨; pinyin: Líng gǔ) that was kept at the Famen Temple during the Tang period. [15] Many of the other cultural relics found in the underground palace date to the year 874 CE, which was the date when the chamber door was last reported to have been closed. Meaning that the underground palace remained hidden for 1,113 years. [15] Among these finds there were over 27,000 cash coins dated to the Tang dynasty and 13 turtle shell cash coins made from Hawksbill sea turtle shell. [15] These cash coins are the first turtle shell coins discovered in China and these may also be the oldest coins made of turtle shell ever found anywhere in the world. [15] Because they all have the inscription "Kaiyuan Tongbao", they are dated to the Tang dynasty period alongside the rest or the discovered found treasures. [15] As there is no mention of turtle shell coins being produced in any Tang dynasty historical texts, little else is known of their actual origin. [15] | 874 CE | Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area (法门寺文化景区). |
13 Kaiyuan Tongbao turtle shell coins (traditional Chinese: 玳瑁幣; simplified Chinese: 玳瑁币; pinyin: Dàimào bì), made from Hawksbill sea turtle shell, were discovered at the Famen Temple in 1987. [15] In 1987 a large number of treasures dating to the Tang dynasty period were uncovered at the site. [17] Among the over 27,000 cash coins found at the temple there were 13 turtle shell cash coins with the inscription Kaiyuan Tongbao, they have a diameter of 2.75 centimeters, a thickness of 0.06 centimeters, and a weight of 24.8 grams. [15]
In Buddhism turtle shells are among the 7 treasures and these cash coins may have been made to commemorate a very special occasion. [15] Likely by the the order of a Tang dynasty emperor to honour a sacred relic of Gautama Buddha that was located at the Famen Temple. [15]
"《佛說陀羅尼集經》中曰:“其七寶者:一金二銀三珍珠四珊瑚五玳瑁六水晶七琉璃”.
This tantra states that there are seven "treasures" or precious things: (1) gold, (2) silver, (3) pearl, (4) coral, (5) turtle shell, (6) crystal, (7) colored glaze."
- Dharani Samuccaya Sutra (佛說陀羅尼集經, Fú shuō tuóluóní jí jīng), translated into English by Gary Ashkenazy (加里·阿什凱納齊) from the Primal Trek – a journey through Chinese culture website. [15]
As no mention of these turtle shell Kaiyuan Tongbao cash coins exist in any historical records or text both Chinese archaeologists and numismatists were surprised with the find. [15] Experts do note that the number of the coins (13) is considered auspicious in Buddhism, which may be related to the fact that there are 13 turtle shell coins. [15] This is further reflected in there being 13 sects in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, 13, floors at the Tibetan Potala Palace and that the Famen Pagoda (where the coins were found) also had 13 floors. [15]
As of 2021 these were the oldest known turtle shell coins found anywhere in the world. [15]
There are a number of Chinese numismatic charms which have inscriptions written in bird-worm seal script. [18] Bird-worm seal script is one of one of the oldest Chinese scripts, which originated more than 2500 years ago, because of its attractive style, Chinese kings and nobles during the Warring States period liked using bird-worm seal script on their personal seals and as decoration on various important objects such as their weaponry. [19] [18] In later dynasties this style of Chinese calligraphy would be used to write the inscriptions of a number of Chinese numismatic charms. [18]
During the Song dynasty period a bird-worm seal script coin charm was produced with the inscription Guihe Qishou (traditional Chinese: 龜鶴齊壽; simplified Chinese: 龟鹤齐寿; pinyin: Guī hè qí shòu), which translates to "Live as long as the tortoise and the crane". [18] This inscription is based on the fact that the Chinese traditionally believed that both the tortoise and the heron (crane) live long lives. [18] The inscription of this coin charm is read top-bottom-right-left and is 6.4 centimeters in diameter, has a thickness of 4 millimeters, and a weight of 71.1 grams. [18]
The main characteristic of bird-worm seal script is that the characters resemble animals. [18] Because of this the top character (龜, "Tortoise") actually resembles a tortoise, the bottom character (鶴, "Heron") looks like a bird, the character located to the right or the central square home (齊, "Are equal to" or "be the same as") resembles 3 "worms", and the left character (壽, "Longevity") looks like it has a s-shaped "worm" running through the middle of it. [18]
A Mongol-led Yuan and Ming dynasty period Chinese coin amulet contains both bird-worm seal script and regular script, this charm also has the same inscription as the aforementioned inscription (龜鶴齊壽) written in both scripts, each on one side or the coin. [18] The Yuan and Ming period charm is slightly smaller than the Song period charm with a diameter of 5.81 centimeters. [18] In 2014 a specimen or this charm was sold by China Guardian Auctions for about $ 1,780 ( ¥ 11,500). [18]
Donald Trung/Modern cultural influences of cash coins in art and discoveries | |||||||
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Chinese name | |||||||
Traditional Chinese | 古銅錢的風水 | ||||||
Simplified Chinese | 古铜钱的风水 | ||||||
Literal meaning | "Old copper coin's feng shui" | ||||||
| |||||||
Vietnamese name | |||||||
Vietnamese alphabet | Tiền xu phong thủy / Đồng xu phong thủy [b] | ||||||
Hán-Nôm | 錢樞風水 / 銅樞風水 |
The usage of cash coins in the Chinese pseudoscientific [20] [21] [22] practice of feng shui is commonplace influencing many superstitions involving them. Believers in feng shui believe in a primal life force called qi (or chi) and apply their beliefs to the design of residential houses, as well as to commercial and public buildings, sometimes incorporating cash coins into the flow of this supposed qi. [23]
Cash coins are category of ancient Chinese coinage which are typically round in shape and have a square central hole, these coins were used as the main currency of imperial China between 221 BC and 1912 AD. In feng shui cash coins are believed to be able to attract wealth and prosperity and to ward off "evil spirits" (煞氣, shà qì). However, placing them an outward facing position is believed to cause misfortune and placing them at the wrong places supposedly attracts "evil spirits" and poverty. For this reason special care is usually taken by feng shui practitioners when handling cash coins. While classic Chinese coins can come in a huge variety, particular categories of them enjoy more celebrity status than others, this is because Feng shui practitioners believe that some cash coin inscriptions are more auspicious than others, for example the Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) is commonly seen as an auspicious inscription because it was produced in a period of military and economic ascendancy in Chinese history, while the Xuanhe Tongbao (宣和通寶) is seen as inauspicious because it was produced during a more tumultuous era.
Feng shui practitioners typically place cash coins that are strung together somewhere in their house or in a cash register to supposedly attract wealth, alternatively they may carry them around as an accessory or place them in their wallet for good luck. A common way cash coins are used in feng shui is as a set of 5 coins known as the "Five Emperor Coins" ( see below), these are often used as counters to hanging beams or exposed pillars. When used for such purposes, the 5 coins are often tied together with a red string (as red is seen as an auspicious colour) so as to charge them with yang energy. When combined with Taoist beliefs cash coins could be strung in the shape of a sword to scare away evil spirits.
Because of their common association with feng shui, cash coins are commonly referred to as feng shui coins in English. [24]
The application of cash coins in feng shui should not be confused with the use of cash coin and cash coin-like amulets as "lucky charms" outside of feng shui, their usage in traditional Chinese medicine, or their their usage in traditional Chinese fortune telling.
The cash coin became the main standard currency of China in 221 BC with the Ban Liang (半兩) and would be produced until 1912 AD there with the Minguo Tongbao (民國通寶). Cash coins are characterised by their round outer shape and a square center hole ( Chinese: 方穿; pinyin: fāng chuān; Jyutping: fong1 cyun1; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: hong-chhoan). The hole in the centre of the coins allowed them to be strung together. [25] [26]
Originally cast during the Warring States period, these coins continued to be used for the entirety of Imperial China. [27] The last Chinese cash coins were cast in the first year of the Republic of China. Generally most cash coins were made from copper or bronze alloys, with iron, lead, and zinc coins occasionally used less often throughout Chinese history. Rare silver and gold cash coins were also produced. During most of their production, cash coins were cast, but during the late Qing dynasty, machine-struck cash coins began to be made. As the cash coins produced over Chinese history were similar, thousand year old cash coins produced during the Northern Song dynasty continued to circulate as valid currency well into the early twentieth century. [28]
Over the years, cash coins have had many different inscriptions, and the Wu Zhu (五銖) inscription, which first appeared under the Han dynasty, became the most commonly used inscription and was often used by succeeding dynasties for 700 years until the introduction of the Kaiyuan Tongbao (開元通寳) during the Tang dynasty. This was also the first time regular script was used as all earlier cash coins exclusively used seal script. During the Song dynasty a large number of different inscriptions was used, and several different styles of Chinese calligraphy were used, even on coins with the same inscriptions produced during the same period. These cash coins are known as matched coins (對錢). This was originally pioneered by the Southern Tang. During the Yuan dynasty, largely deprecated copper coinage was abandoned in favour of paper money. This trend continued under the Ming dynasty. Cash coins only contained the era names of the emperor during the Ming dynasty. Due to a naming taboo the term "Yuanbao" (元寶) was phased out from cash coin inscriptions as the founder of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang had the word "Yuan" (元) in his name. The trend of exclusively using the era names on currencies continued during the Qing dynasty, and all cash coins issued during this period were written in regular script.
Outside of China, Chinese cash coins have inspired the design of the Japanese mon, [29] Korean mun, [30] Ryukyuan mon, [31] and Vietnamese văn [32] [33] currencies and the last series of cash coins produced in the world were the French Indochinese Bảo Đại Thông Bảo (保大通寶) during the 1940s. [34]
Chinese people in the past believed that "similar things come together" and in this principle they believed that objects and events of the same nature will gather together: flowers go with flowers, grass goes with grass, gold goes with gold, like-minded people gather together, Etc. [35] Therefore they believed that hanging coins in the house will attract more money to their household or their village. [35]
Feng shui masters (traditional Chinese: 風水師; simplified Chinese: 风水师; pinyin: Fēngshuǐ shī) recommend the use of old Chinese cash coins to enhance the feng shui of a house (for the usage of old Chinese charms in the house, see " Chinese house charms"). [36] In feng shui certain cash coins are thought to be able to provide protection and promote good fortune. [36] Generally speaking, Feng shui masters always have a large number of Chinese copper-alloy cash coins on hand. [36] This is because cash coins, as well as jade, are the basic tools used to adjust the yin and yang forces of a house. [36] The reasons why cash coins have an important role in feng shui are numerous and concerns the very nature of Chinese cash coins as they have always been a potent instrument in feng shui. [36]
The reasons why Chinese cash coins have an important place in feng shui include:
Cash coins when used for feng shui purposes can be combined with other feng shui items to enhance their usage. [41] For example, if they are added to a Pixiu, it can strengthen the wealth effect of the Pixiu statuette, and if you add it to Qilin, it can also increase the power of eliminating evil spirits of the the Qilin statuette. [41] Other examples include gourds, where they supposedly strengthen its healing functions and countering evil spirits (sha qì), mystic knots for protection, and crystals for wealth. [38]
While feng shui coins are typically made from copper-alloys, they can also be made from stone, jade, other metals, Etc. [42]
Some cash coins considered to be suitable and others unsuitable for feng shui to provide protection from evil and the promotion of good fortune, on this Chinese Feng shui masters note that the supposed "effectiveness" of a cash coin is dependent on the coin's alloy and quality, how many people have previously used it, and the time period when the cash coin was produced. [36]
Factors typically considered by Feng shui masters include:
In feng shui, the term Five Emperor Coins (traditional Chinese: 五帝錢 / 五帝幣; simplified Chinese: 五帝钱 / 五帝币; pinyin: Wǔdì qián / Wǔdì bì; Vietnamese: Tiền ngũ đế / Tiền năm vua), also sometimes called "Five Emperor Money Coins" in English, refers to a set of cash coins that were produced during the early and High Qing eras when the Qing dynasty was at its height both militarily and economically. [36] This set includes authentic cash coins produced during the reigns of the Shunzhi, Kangxi, Emperor, Qianlong, and Jiaqing Emperors. [36] As this period was when China's national power was the strongest, the authority of the emperor dominated, and Chinese society enjoyed stability the Five Emperor Coins are seen as having the essence of "heaven, earth, and people" (天、地、人). [44] In this context it is sometimes referred to as "genius, genius, talent" (天才,地才,人才). [41] Five Emperor Coins are also used with Tai Sui practices. [44]
The five emperors reigned from 1644 to 1824, which happened to be a cycle in feng shui (as a cycle occurs every 180 years). [45] The Shunzhi reign period belongs to northern water (北方水), Kangxi belongs to eastern wood (東方木), Yongzheng belongs to central earth (中央土), Qianlong belongs to western metal (西方金), and Jiaqing belongs to southern fire (南方火), which is exactly the symbol of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. [45]
Feng shui masters typically advise people to select cash coins for feng shui purposes that are approximately the same size and thickness as each other. [36] During the 60 year-long reign of the Qianlong Emperor a large quantity of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins were produced in varying sizes and qualities, this means that when selecting cash coins with this inscription special attention has to be given. [36]
The Five Emperor Coins consist of: [36]
Five Emperor Coins (五帝錢) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Inscription ( Traditional Chinese) |
Translation of the era name | Reign period | Note(s) | Image |
Shunzhi Tongbao (順治通寶) |
"To rule smoothly". | 1644–1661 | In feng shui this cash coin symbolises change, new beginnings, and origins. [38] | |
Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶) |
"Healthy and prosperous". | 1662–1722 | In feng shui this cash coin signifies wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. [38] | |
Yongzheng Tongbao (雍正通寶) |
"Harmony and upright". | 1723–1735 | In feng shui this cash coin represents strength, will-power, and influence. [38] | |
Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) |
"Lasting eminence". | 1736–1795 | The term "Qianlong" is a homophonic pun with the word " coin dragon" (錢龍, qián lóng) making it an especially auspicious inscription for attracting wealth. [36] In feng shui this cash coin epitomises wisdom, stability, and intelligence. [38] | |
Jiaqing Tongbao (嘉慶通寶) |
"Good and celebrate". | 1796–1820 | In feng shui this cash coin embodies hard work, conviction, and decisiveness. [38] |
Alternative set of Five Emperor Coins: [46]
Inscription ( Traditional Chinese) |
Emperor (Traditional Chinese) |
Dynasty | Note(s) | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ban Liang (半兩) |
Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) |
Qin dynasty | ||
Wu Zhu (五銖) |
Wu of Han (漢武帝) |
Han dynasty | ||
Kaiyuan Tongbao (開元通寳) |
Taizong of Tang (唐太宗) |
Tang dynasty | ||
Songyuan Tongbao (宋元通寳) |
Taizu of Song (宋太祖) |
Song dynasty | ||
Yongle Tongbao (永樂通寳) |
Yongle Emperor (永樂帝) |
Ming dynasty |
In feng shui before being used Five Emperor Coins, like other feng shui items, have to be consecrated by a Feng shui master for them to have a feng shui effect. [44] Consecration of Five Emperor Coins usually takes place from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning "when the dragon raises its head", after consecration, the Five Emperor Coins should not be touched by outsiders. [44] If the cash coins are dirty, they are either replaced or wiped with a little salt water, after drying, they are usually placed in the ground the next morning. [44] If the consecrated Five Emperor Coins need to be replaced they are usually wrapped in red cloth and put at the temple incense candle recycling place or at crossroads to supposedly let its aura dissipate. [44]
In order to attract wealth, Five Emperor Coins cash coins are usually placed placed in the area of the house where wealth is kept or generated such as the living room, work room (for those who work from home), altars, vaults or a safe, Etc. where they are usually strung together in a particular order. [44] Sometimes they are also placed inside of a car. [44]
Cash coins can also be worn for feng shui purposes as their square central holes conveniently allows them to be strung to a red cord, ribbon or a piece of clothing or to be worn as a necklace. [36] Cash coins are typically strung while using it in this manner using red cords due to red being considered an auspicious colour in Chinese culture. [36] According to the teaching of feng shui wearing cash coins can provide "personal protection from ghosts and other evils". [36] Alternative, cash coins do not necessarily have to be worn on the body of the person but could be placed in any number of accessoires for their supposed "effect" in feng shui as they could be placed in a purse, handbag or hung on the shoulder strap of a handbag. [44] Placing a set of Five Emperor Coins inside of a wallet is believed to attract wealth. [44]
According to Feng shui masters, cash coin necklaces should be worn in a slip knot, which is known in Mandarin as a Huójié (活結), because slip knots can easily be untied by only pulling on one cord meaning that a cash coin is able to automatically" fall off as they believe that in the presence of a nearby powerful evil force should "suddenly fall" meaning that the necklace functions as a "very good warning system" that can warn its wearer to leave immediately if such a fall occurs. [36]
According feng shui cash coins placed at inside of the home can ward off evil spirits, this is because it is believed that evil spirits typically attempt to enter a house through gates, doors, and windows and Feng shui masters claim that by placing feng shui coins close to where it is believed evil spirits will enter they will be unable to rush inside. [36] Furthermore, in feng shui cash coins fulfill the purpose of promoting harmony in the household, and attracting both wealth and good fortune. [36] Placing cash coins in an area associated with money such as a vault or a cash register is believed to attract more wealth (see also: Vault protector coin). [44]
When new houses are constructed 5 sets of Qing dynasty Five Emperor Coins are sometimes placed at specific locations in order to attract both wealth and prosperity. [44] These sets of Five Emperor Coins are placed at the four corners and the centre of the house in a specific sequence and because the interior area is usually relatively large, it is believed that Five Emperor Coins cannot be used in the interior because their supposed power isn't enough for such a large area. [44] All 5 sets of Five Emperor Coins are placed facing the gate, with 5 Shunzhi Tongbao in the left corner, 5 Kangxi Tongbao in the right corner, 5 Yongzheng Tongbao are placed in the centre, 5 Qianlong Tongbao are placed in the rear left corner, and 5 Jiaqing Tongbao in the rear right corner. [44]
Traditionally, "protection" was usually achieved by burying feng shui coins under the threshold of the house, [44] but as many modern people live in apartment buildings "burying" cash coins has become less convenient it has now become more commonplace to hide them under a doormat or to hang the cash coins on a door handle. [36] When using Five Emperor Coins these are usually chronologically arranged. [36] Sometimes cash coins are also placed underneath rugs or floor mats in order to strengthen the presence of "earth" energy when the level below is empty space such as a vehicle parking lot. [38]
When placed on the right side of an entrance gate, Five Emperor Coins hung from a yellow cord are believed to help prevent female family members from being too argumentative or quarrelsome. [36] [41] In Chinese culture, the colour yellow is associated with the legendary Yellow Emperor and in feng shui yellow is perceived a potent symbol of both imperial rule and general authority. [36]
When placed at the gate of the house, in feng shui Five Emperor Coins are to be placed chronologically from right-to-left. [44] At the same time, it is required that the feet of the ancient coins face inward and the observe of the coin face upwards. [44] In feng shui it is believed that if the foot of the characters is turned outward that it would cause depression to the inhabitants of the household. [44]
Placing 2 copper-alloy cash coins under a pillow is believed to ensure harmony in a marriage. [36] [41]
In traditional Chinese homes the ridgepole is the main cross beam located at the top of the house which provides major support for the roof, typically these ridgepoles are painted red because it is seen as an auspicious colour in Chinese culture and a Bagua charm (a type of cash coin amulet), sometimes including the yin and yang symbol, is usually hung from the ridgepole. [47] This is typically done by drilling two holes at the top and bottom of the amulet. [47] Alongside the cash coin amulet ted paper and cloth banners are hung from the ridgepole during its hoisting. [47] These banners have such auspicious sayings as Fú xīng gāo zhào (福星高照, "Let the five good fortunes shine brightly"), Jiāng tài gōng zài cǐ (姜太公在此, "The Protector Jiang Taigong is here"), Fènghuáng zài cǐ (鳳凰在此, "The male and female phoenix are both here"), and Zǐ wēi gāo zhào (紫微高照, "Let the purple polar star shine brightly"). [47] Besides being attached to the ridgepole during the construction of a house, an Eight Trigram cash coin amulet is frequently placed on a main gate or door, these may have inscriptions on them to ward off demons such as Zhǎn zhì xié guǐ (斬治邪鬼, "behead and punish the demons"). [47]
It is also customary in feng shui during the 5th day of the 5th month ( Duanwu) to hang a five poisons charm on a door or gate as a form of protection. [47] This is done because a host of dangerous pests such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and others tend to become more common during the summer. [47] The leaves of a Acorus calamus plant, which resemble a sword, are sometimes hung on the same location for the same intended effect. [47]
In order to ensure and promote "good fortune" for the family Chinese people traditionally nailed cash coin amulets with auspicious inscriptions, such as Changming Fugui (長命富貴, "Longevity, wealth, and honour") and Fushou Tongtian (福壽同天, "good fortune and longevity on the same day") on a gate or wall. [47] Sometimes these good luck amulets feature observe sides that have inscriptions identical to cash coins, such as Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寳), but may be significantly larger in size, for example a Qianlong Tongbao charm being 38 millimeters in diameter and having a weight of 10.6 grams. [47]
One of the most popular "good luck" motifs found in old Chinese houses consists of five bats (五蝠) surrounding the Chinese character for "longevity" (壽). [47] A specific type of cash coin amulet, known as an open-work charm, with this design is known as a Wufu Pengshou (五福捧壽, "five fortunes surround longevity") and is commonly hung on a door or gate to wish for blessings and a long life. [47]
In feng shui, coin-swords are often hung to frighten away demons and evil spirits. [48] [49] [50] Coin-swords are a type of Chinese numismatic charm that are primarily used in southern China. [51] The supposed powers of coin-swords do not come from the associated wealth symbolism that usually comes with cash coins. [48] But with the design form of the cash coins used to make the sword, as well as the dynastic origins of the cash coins that carry the Emperor's reign era title. [48] As such, in feng shui the supposed power of the coin-swords will depend heavily on which Chinese emperor's inscription is written down on the cash coins. [48]
They are frequently hung above the bed, on residential walls, on the front and the outside of the bridal bed-curtain, or above the windows of a building. [50] [49] It is believed that evil spirits would not dare molest the residents of the house where the coin-sword hangs because the sword resembles that wielded by the Taoist immortal Zhong Kui, who in Chinese mythology is famous for being a slayer of evil demons. [50] Most Chinese coin-swords consist of Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寳) cash coins. [49] Coin-swords made from Qing dynasty cash coins with the inscription Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶) are considered to be the most effective. [50]
About the time of a woman's confinement after her marriage, a coin-sword is sometimes taken to be hung inside of the bridal bed-curtain, usually in a position that is parallel to the horizon. [49]
In feng shui certain cash coins are seen as being inauspicious and are discouraged by Feng shui masters because, according to them, rather than acting as a deterrent to evil they might attract it. [52] [36]
Factors typically seen as indicating an inauspicious cash coins by Feng shui masters include:
As the Five Emperor Coins are seen as auspicious because the economy of the Qing dynasty was in its ascendancy during the reigns of the 5 emperors mentioned in the inscriptions and China enjoyed a period a military strength, Qing dynasty period cash coins produced during times when the empire was gradually falling into serious dynastic decline are seen as inauspicious for feng shui purposes. [36] Despite this a number of dealers selling feng shui coins have been promoting "Six Emperor Coins" (六帝錢, 六帝钱) and "Ten Emperor Coins" (十帝錢, 十帝钱) which include cash coins produced during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor and later when the Qing dynasty was entering its century of humiliation. [36] For this reason, Feng shui masters advise against using "Six Emperor Coins" and "Ten Emperor Coins" coin sets. [36]
In feng shui, cash coins are believed to not just attract wealth, good fortune, and harmony when placed in the house but may also attract evil spirits (sha qì) if they are placed in certain positions or at certain places. [44]
Due to the cultural influence of feng shui in the Greater China region ancient Chinese coinages have been adopted into the logo design of many companies in the region, which is often referred to as the "symbolic feng shui coin logo design". [55] Logos that are based on the various concepts and forms that are found in feng shui are the most preferred visual representation used by financial institutions such as banks in the Greater China region, with ancient Chinese coins being used in particular. [55]
For this reason, cash coins in feng shui have developed into distinctive and unique style of logo design language in the region. [55]
Description | Implied or hidden meaning | Supposed effect(s) | Usages (placement) |
Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
An apricot flower amulet (traditional Chinese: 梅花銅錢; simplified Chinese: 梅花铜钱; pinyin: Méihuā tóngqián; Vietnamese: Hoa mai kim tiền) [e] typically has 5 "petals" and a pentagonal central hole, on each of their "petals" they have a Traditional Chinese character on them typically reading "長命守富貴". [35] | According to feng shui, apricot flowers have a place that directly affects the fortune and luck of its owner. [35] The 5 petals of the money flower represent the five wuxing elements Metal - Wood - Water - Fire - Earth, bringing balance and harmonization of elements in the apartment. [35] | A pair of apricot flower amulets supposedly have the ability to protect their owners against weapons, bad air in the family, alongside the ability to bring good luck to family members. [35] | In the house of the owner, typically in pairs of two. [35] These amulets are typically hung in the northwest, west, and north and feng shui practitioners avoid hanging them in the east, southwest, and northeast directions. [35] These amulets can also be hung around the waist (where they would supposedly ensure a safe entry and exit from a place). | |
3 coins on a red string (Vietnamese: Tiền xu Tam Tài). [35] | The 3 cash coins represent the harmony between Heaven - Earth - Man (Thiên – Địa – Nhân). [35] | To bring good fortune, satisfaction, and prosperity to the owner and their whole family. [35] | They are typically hung on an ancestor altar, placed in a cash register, or put in a wallet. [35] The obverse of the cash coins must always face up. [35] | |
A Chinese amulet surrounded by 5 bats, hung on a red string with a slip knot. [56] | This type of feng shui coin amulet was originally created during the Qianlong period (1735–1796) and is known in Vietnamese as đồng tiền xu cổ Phúc Tinh Chiêu Tài. [56] The five bats are a reference to the Five Blessings. [56] | Ward off adversaries, neutralise disasters, and attract good fortune. [56] | ||
A string of cash coins with a "new year's picture" below it. [47] The lower portion has what appears to be one very large and complex Chinese character. [47] However, these are the four Chinese characters zhao cai jin bao (招財進寶) which roughly translates as "money and treasures will be plentiful" or "attracts wealth and treasure". [47] This design of a New Year's picture with an auspicious inscription is also commonly found on diamond-shaped red paper in Chinese homes around lunar new year. [47] | Around the time of Chinese New Year, Chinese families will hang nianhua (年画), or "New Year's pictures", somewhere inside of their house. [47] Most of these are pictures associated with good fortune. [47] The picture below the cash coins is an example of a New Year's picture with an auspicious inscription. [47] Actually, these are 4 Chinese characters that have been combined into one. [47] The Chinese refer to this as lianzi (連字, 连字) which means linked or combined characters. [47] | Attract wealth for the new year. [47] | Around the house. [47] [f] | |
A cash coin-shaped Bagua amulet (see: " Book of Changes and Bagua charms") hung on a red cord with a slip knot (Vietnamese: Tiền xu Bát Quái). [35] | A "trigram" is a three-lined symbol. Each of the three lines can either be continuous or broken. In Chinese culture, Yin-Yang (陰陽, 阴阳) is the term for the basic polarities of the universe, such as male/female, light/dark, strong/weak, etc. and in these symbols a straight line represents yang (陽, 阳) and a broken line represents yin (陰, 阴). There are eight possible combinations of these trigrams and they are known collectively as the Eight Trigrams or the bagua (八卦). | |||
Round coin with a round hole in the middle. [57] | These coins symbolise the spirit of heaven, immensity, and integrity. [57] | These feng shui coins supposedly limit conflicts. [57] | ||
A 10 petal apricot flower to attract money (Vietnamese: Đồng tiền hoa mai 10 cánh hút tiền tài) is a feng shui coin amulet that includes a large amulet with 10 Qing dynasty period cash coins surrounding it, hung on a red cord with a slip knot. [57] | Placed the coin right behind the backrest of the chair of the phòng tiểu nhân. [57] The desk drawer where important documents are stored. [57] Attached via clips in files, bags when going to trade, do business. [57] | |||
Five Emperor Coins with a Bagua amulet attached to it. [57] | The Eight Trigrams and the Yin-Yang symbol symbolise harmony. [57] | Bring harmony to owner. [57] | At a door in a direction considered to be "suitable for the age of the owner". [57] |
The rationale behind this is quite simple. Infant mortality rates were higher in the past, so when a newborn reached '满月' (pronounced "man yue" and literally translated as 'full moon') in good health, this was a milestone worth celebrating. Widespread superstition also meant that families would be reluctant to announce their baby's birth until he or she made it to the full month, in fear of jinxing the wee one.
DESCRIPTION: Song Dynasty, "Chang Ming Fu Gui" Charm Coin, XF
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Đồng xu phong thủy tượng trưng cho tài lộc, của cải và cát khí. Tuy nhiên, phụ thuộc vào hình dạng và số lượng mà ý nghĩa các đồng xu cũng có sự thay cho đổi.
Logos based on concepts and forms (particularly ancient Chinese coins) found in Feng Shui were the most preferred visual representation used by banks in the Greater China region.
Feng Shui Category:Feng Shui Category:Environmental design Category:Chinese culture
While cash coins are no longer produced as official currency today, they remain a common motif in the countries where they once circulated and among the diaspora of those communities. Most commonly cash coins are associated with "good luck" and "wealth" today and are commonly known as "Chinese lucky coins" because of their usage in charms and feng shui. Cash coins also appear in fortune telling and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, cash coins are often found in the logos and emblems of financial institutions in East Asia and Vietnam because of their association with "wealth" and their historical value.
While cash coins are no longer produced as official currency today, they remain a common motif in the countries where they once circulated and among the diaspora of those communities. Most commonly cash coins are associated with "good luck" and "wealth" today and are commonly known as "Chinese lucky coins" because of their usage in charms and feng shui (see " Cash coins in feng shui"). Cash coins also appear in fortune telling (see " I Ching divination § Coins") and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, cash coins are often found in the logos and emblems of financial institutions in East Asia and Vietnam because of their association with "wealth" and their historical value.
List of 2022 coin hoards in Mainland China | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date of discovery | Place of discovery | Image | Content | Long description of the find and notes | Date (if known) |
Current location (if known) |
23 October 2022 | Shuangdun Village, Jianhu County, Yancheng city, Jiangsu province | 1.5 tonnes of cash coins dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties. | During an excavation in Shuangdun Village, Jianhu County of Yancheng City in the province of Jiangsu a coin hoard consisting of 1.5 tonnes of cash coins was discovered. [2] In ancient China, such treasure hoards were often buried in the ground by their owners to preserve precious porcelain objects, cash coins, metal tools, and other valuables. [2] These bronze cash coins, mostly dating to the Song dynasty period, were connected to each other with a series of straw ropes and were neatly layered and paved inside of a pit mouth. [2] This pit mouth of the coun hoard was square in shape and measured at 1.63 meters in length, 1.58 meters in width, and 0.5 meters in depth. [2] Because these cash coins still had clear inscriptions and we're all well-preserved they can serve as important value for future archaeological and numismatic research. In total 70 wells were also discovered around the coin hoard. [2] The location of the near an battle frontline of the Jin–Song Wars, for this reason researchers speculate if the excavation site may have belonged to a hutted military camp from this period. [2] | Jin–Song Wars |
This page serves as "the editing history" of the English Wikipedia articles " Cash coins in art", " Qianlong Tongbao", and " Taoist coin charm" (among others) and is preserved for attribution.
At the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Forbidden City, Beijing there is a coin dragon (traditional Chinese: 錢龍; simplified Chinese: 钱龙; pinyin: Qián lóng) made of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins, this sculpture was created during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735–1796) and was only discovered in 2017 during a renovation of the palace. [1] [2]
At the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Forbidden City, Beijing there is a coin dragon (traditional Chinese: 錢龍; simplified Chinese: 钱龙; pinyin: Qián lóng) made of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins, these cash coins are all about 2.8 centimeters in diameter and are identical in every way to those that were minted for normal circulation. [1] [2] But as none of the Qianlong Tongbao used for this coin dragon show any wear it seems that these were all freshly cast for the creation of this sculpture. [1] [2]
The coin dragon's backboard is composed of paperboard on which a colourful Chinese dragon is painted. The strings of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins create the form of a Chinese dragon, these cash coins are attached to the paperboard backboard and Hall of Mental Cultivation's roof beam by "gold-plated round-head copper nails". [1] [2] The coin dragon is 182 centimeters (5.97 ft) in length and 47 cm (1.5 ft) in height. [1] [2]
According to Mr. Zhou Qian (周乾), a researcher at the Palace Museum, the Qianlong Tongbao coin dragon could be described as "About 2 meters long, mighty and shocking with fierce teeth and dancing claws, creating clouds and driving the mist" (该钱龙长约2米,张牙舞爪,做腾云驾雾状,形象威武,极具震慑感。). [1] [2]
As no known historical documents recorded the existence of this coin dragon it is possible that it was in fact meant to remain a secret hidden away from sight. [1] [2]
The coin dragon was likely installed during a Shang Liang (traditional Chinese: 上樑; simplified Chinese: 上梁; pinyin: Shàng liáng) ceremony, this is evident of the remnants of the red silk satin from this topping-out ceremony which occurred several centuries ago. Shang Liang ceremonies were the main roof beam of a palace building was raised and installed. [1] [2] During these ceremonies Good luck charms, which frequently included cash coins, would traditionally be attached to one of the palace's roof beams in order to provide protection from evil spirits, fire, and other potential disasters. There would also be good luck charms that included wishes for peace and good fortune. [1] [2] The coin dragon thus serves as the supreme representation of the Chinese belief in numismatic charms as objects with supernatural powers which are able to defeat ghosts and demons, deter disastrous events, and bring both peace and good luck to those in possession of them. [1] [2]
While dragons had been symbols of imperial authority for centuries this is the only coin dragon ever known to have been created in the history of the Chinese Empire. [1] [2] The reason why a coin dragon was created during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor was because the Mandarin word for "Coin dragon" (Qián lóng) sounds like the reign name of the emperor (Qián lóng) meaning that it was seen as a fitting tribute to the supreme authority of the Qing empire and as it was made of cash coins it could be seen as a symbol of wealth to represent the power and prosperity of the Qing. [1] [2]
What remains an unsolved mystery is the fact that every leg of the coin dragon only has 4 claws on each leg as opposed to five, as imperial dragons are typically five-clawed as only the emperor and his immediate family could display five-claw dragons, while three-clawed and four-clawed dragons were symbols of government officials below the emperor. [1]
List of 2017 coin hoards in Mainland China | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date of discovery | Place of discovery | Image | Content | Long description of the find and notes | Date (if known) |
Current location (if known) |
2017 | Hall of Mental Cultivation, Forbidden City, Beijing | A " Coin dragon" (錢龍 / 钱龙, "Money dragon"). | On 4 December 2020 Mr. Zhou Qian (周乾), a researcher at the Palace Museum, reported in the Science and Technology Daily that in 2017 a "coin dragon" made of Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) cash coins was discovered at the Hall of Mental Cultivation during a renovation. [1] [2] The coin dragon was found to be attached to the side of the ridge beam supporting the roof. [1] [2] In imperial China a grand ceremony always took place at the Hall of Mental Cultivation known as the Shang Liang (traditional Chinese: 上樑; simplified Chinese: 上梁; pinyin: Shàng liáng) when the main roof beam of a palace building was raised and installed. [1] [2] | The Qianlong reign period (1735–1796). | Palace Museum, Beijing | |
2017 | Hall of Mental Cultivation, Forbidden City, Beijing | A treasure box (traditional Chinese: 寶匣; simplified Chinese: 宝匣; pinyin: Bǎo xiá) attributed to the year Jiaqing 6 (嘉慶六年) containing various treasures including 5 sycees made from 5 different types of metal and 24 golden Tianxia Taiping (天下太平) cash coins. | The discovered treasure box included an image of a five-clawed azure dragon, who is one of the dragon gods of the Five Deities (五帝) which is associated with the five colours (五色), five phases (五行), etc. [1] The treasure box is 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) on the sides (making it square in shape) and 6.5 centimeters (2.6 inches) in height. [1] It was uncovered during a renovation of the Hall of Mental Cultivation and was sealed under a roof. [1] The treasure box contained various items inside of it including Buddhist sutras, gems in five colors (五色寶石), satins in five colors (五色緞), silk threads in five colors (五色絲線), five spices (五香), five herbal medicines (五藥), and five cereal seeds (五谷). [1] All of which were in a bad condition. [1] The treasure box also contained 5 sycees made of 5 different metals, namely tin, iron, copper, silver, and gold as well as 24 golden Tianxia Taiping (天下太平) palace cash coins. [3] [1] These palace cash coins contained the inscription "May the world be at peace" written in Chinese characters on one side and in the Manchu language on the other side. [3] [1] The the Tianxia Taiping palace cash coins found in the treasure box are 16 karats of gold and range from about 25.4 to 28.4 millimetres in diameter, they have a thickness of 1.7 to 2.1 millimeters, and weigh from 10.7 to 11.36 grams. [3] [1] | 1801 | Palace Museum, Beijing | |
2017 | Hall of Supreme Harmony, Forbidden City, Beijing | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. | SCRAPPED. |
February 2017 | Gan River in Xingan County, Jiangxi | Over 500 kilograms of Qing dynasty cash coins | It was reported on January 5, 2017, that local villagers had dug up over 500 kilograms of Qing dynasty cash coins near the Gan River in Xingan County, Jiangxi. [4] The villlagers had occupied an area of 30 square metre and were excavating the site without permission, most of the villagers at the site were pensioners and children. [4] Eventually the local police force had to call in 20 reinforcements to cordon off the area so archaeologists could excavate the area later. [4] | Qing dynasty period |
There is a Song dynasty period Taoist pendant (plaque) charm with the inscription Changming Fugui written as "長命冨貴" instead of "長命富貴". [5] [a] This amulet is 31.5 millimeters in length and 24.5 millimeters in width. [6] The reverse side of this amulet depicts a Taoist deity known as the Star Official of Dominant Vitality (本命星官), depicted with with a halo around his head, wearing a long robe, and holding a Hu. [5] Above the head of the Star Official of Dominant Vitality is a raised dot representing the moon. [5] Some numismatists believe that the depiction of the Star Official of Dominant Vitality is done in the style of the Tang dynasty period painter Wu Daozi, specifically in the style of the painting " The Eighty-seven Immortals" (八十七神仙圖), which is currently (as of 2021) at the Xu Beihong Memorial Museum (徐悲鴻紀念館) in Beijing. [5] In Daoist thought, it is believed that each person is protected by the star god associated with the zodiacal year in which that person was born, as the charm depicts a dragon this charm is likely for those born in the year of the dragon. [5] Above the dragon is a round object representing the sun, inside of the it is the Chén (辰) character, which is the 5th of the Chinese Earthly branches, which also references the dragon zodiac. [5]
Both the inscription on the obverse side and images on the reverse side confirm that this amulet is in fact a "good luck" charm. [5] These types of charms were typically given to a newborn child or an infant having reached one-month of age, which in traditional Chinese culture is known as the mǎn yuè (满月). [7] [5] Due to its symbolism and association with the Star Official of Dominant Vitality, this Song dynasty period charm would have been especially appropriate for a young child that born in the Chinese year of the dragon. [5]
In 2009 one of these Song dynasty period amulets sold at the Chengxuan auction for $ 380 ( ¥ 2464). [8] [5]
During the Eastern Jin dynasty period in Chinese history the appearance of map-like charts began to be used as a guide in understanding the ultimate reality, i.e. the " true form” of things (真形, Zhēn xíng) according to Taoist thought, during Taoist pilgrimages to the sacred Five Great Mountains. [9] [10] According to Taoist thought the concept of a "true form" is the original, formless, inner shape of the mountain, as part of the Dao (道), as opposed to its physical, visible, outer shape in the material world. [9] In Taoist thought it is believed that if one can understand the true form of an object or a spirit, one can have a modicum of control over it. [9] Broadly speaking, the concept of a "true form" can apply to a deity, an icon, a purified self, a talisman, or a picture. [10] In Taoism the "true form" denotes the original shape something has as part of Dao, the inherent potency of an object, place, or a person as expressed in physical form, perfect form, etc. [10] Seeing "true forms" requires both religious discipline and practice. In many cases, Taoists associate the "true form" with the inner, invisible, and formless quality of an entity, contrary to the outer, the visible, and the concrete (see also: Theory of forms). [10]
People who were accustomed to living in the plains and valleys were typically less familiar with the topography of mountainous areas, the weather there, as well as the geology. [9] People from the plains and valleys feared the tigers and other "strange beasts" as well as the idea that these places were populated by local spirits and demons. [9] In the Taoist religion it is thought that sacred sites in the highest of places and, in particular, mountains and caves, are the very heart of a mountain and were a fountain of the vital life force known as Qi. [11] [9] According to ancient Taoist beliefs these sites surrounding mountains included forests and streams where one could find various types of medicinal plants and the ingredients for elixirs of life and pills of immortality. [11] [9]
Taoists advocate rigorous meditation and visualisation as the most efficient way to see the "true form" of any object, so Taoists frequently use a visual symbol known as the "true form chart" (真形圖, zhēn xíng tú) to visualise the "true form" of something. [10] It was during the Eastern Jin dynasty period that the True Forms Chart of the Five Sacred Peaks (五嶽真形圖 / 五岳真形图, Wǔyuè zhēn xíng tú) was created, this book included a chart that supposedly illustrated the "true forms" of the 5 sacred mountains in Taoism. [9] According to Ge Hong having a copy of the Wǔyuè zhēn xíng tú in your home enables you to deflect violent assault and repulse those who wish to do you harm, this is why charts based on this work appear on a number of Taoist plaque charms. [9] Taoists later created talismans (charms) which displayed these charts. [12] [9] A talisman was more conveniently carried on the wearer and would provide protection for those who sought the Dao in the sacred mountains of China as they would journey through them. [9] In Taoism, a talisman is a charm that includes fulu. [9]
“Others do not understand how to wear the divine talismans at their belt. Some do not obtain the methods to enter the mountains and let the mountain deities bring calamities to them. Goblins and demons will put them to the test, wild animals will wound them, poisons from pools will hit them, and snakes will bite them. There will be not one but many prospects of death.”
Plaque amulets with the inscription Wuyue Zhenxing (五嶽真形 / 五岳真形, "true form of the five peaks") were produced that were intended to be protective talismans that were carried by Taoist pelgrims through the sacred mountains. [9]
During the reign of the Qing dynasty one such amulet contained the inscription at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions are Chinese seal script characters. Reading top (五, Wǔ), bottom (嶽, Yuè), right (真, Zhēn), and left (形, Xíng). [13] [9] This amulet notably includes the "charts" ("true form" maps) of each of the Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism. [13] [9] In 2008 this Qing dynasty period charm sold at auction for $ 3,900 (¥ 25,300). [13] [9]
There is a variant Daruma doll which features Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, holding a Northern Wei dynasty period Taihe Wuzhu (太和五銖, tài hé wǔ zhū) cash coin. [14]
This numismatic variant of the Daruma doll features a number of differences from standard Daruma dolls, namely the fact that in this version Bodhidharma has visible fingers, this is because Daruma dolls typically don't have any limbs as according to a Japanese legend lost his limbs to atrophy after meditating in a cave for 9 years. [14] The presence of the Taihe Wuzhu cash coin on this datums doll is akin to the Chinese proverb "one’s eyes grow round with delight at the sight of money" (traditional Chinese: 見錢眼開; simplified Chinese: 见钱眼开; pinyin: Jiàn qián yǎn kāi), an expression that was first recorded in the work Jin Ping Mei. This is because the doll depicts Bodhidharma firmly clutching the coin. [14]
"Finally, we should not forget that Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who renounced the world, lived a very austere life in a cave, and spent a lifetime seeking true reality. Over the centuries, Daruma’s legacy in Japan has evolved to the point where dolls are made in his image to serve as good luck charms and coin banks. While the Japanese daruma dolls are very cute and symbolize perseverance, good luck and prosperity, the idea of associating the founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism with something as secular and mundane as money is not consistent with his teachings."
- Gary Ashkenazy (加里·阿什凱納齊), Bodhidharma Holding a Wu Zhu Coin (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture). [14]
The presence of a Taihe Wuzhu cash coin in this amulet is historically accurate as Bodhidharma lived in the territory of the Northern Wei around the time that the coin circulated in the Northern Wei dynasty capital city of Louyang and its surrounding areas. [14]
List of 1987 coin hoards in Mainland China | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date of discovery | Place of discovery | Image | Content | Long description of the find and notes | Date (if known) |
Current location (if known) |
5–12 May 1987 | Famen Temple, Famen town, Fufeng County, Shaanxi | 2,499 treasures from the Tang dynasty including gems, jewelry, art pieces, gold and silver utensils, and numerous silk fabrics woven with gold thread. This fine included more than 27,000 coins, mostly consisting of Tang dynasty period Kaiyuan Tongbao (開元通寶) and Qianyuan Zhongbao (乾元重寶) cash coins, including 13 Kaiyuan Tongbao turtle shell coins (traditional Chinese: 玳瑁幣; simplified Chinese: 玳瑁币; pinyin: Dàimào bì). | In 1987, during a renovation of the Famen Temple, a previously undiscovered underground "palace" was discovered under the foundation of the pagoda, this underground complex contained an intact and secret vaunt that had remained untouched by grave robbers and looters. [15] [16] The renovation took place after a large part of the pagoda collapsed due to heave rains in 1981, when the renovation started 6 years later the foundation of the wooden pagoda dating to the Tang dynasty period was discovered underneath the foundation of the damaged brick pagoda. [15] This discovery included many different treasures including the middle finger bone of the Buddha’s left hand. [15] This discovery did not come as a complete surprise, however, because historical documents clearly recorded that this "true relic" (traditional Chinese: 靈骨; simplified Chinese: 灵骨; pinyin: Líng gǔ) that was kept at the Famen Temple during the Tang period. [15] Many of the other cultural relics found in the underground palace date to the year 874 CE, which was the date when the chamber door was last reported to have been closed. Meaning that the underground palace remained hidden for 1,113 years. [15] Among these finds there were over 27,000 cash coins dated to the Tang dynasty and 13 turtle shell cash coins made from Hawksbill sea turtle shell. [15] These cash coins are the first turtle shell coins discovered in China and these may also be the oldest coins made of turtle shell ever found anywhere in the world. [15] Because they all have the inscription "Kaiyuan Tongbao", they are dated to the Tang dynasty period alongside the rest or the discovered found treasures. [15] As there is no mention of turtle shell coins being produced in any Tang dynasty historical texts, little else is known of their actual origin. [15] | 874 CE | Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area (法门寺文化景区). |
13 Kaiyuan Tongbao turtle shell coins (traditional Chinese: 玳瑁幣; simplified Chinese: 玳瑁币; pinyin: Dàimào bì), made from Hawksbill sea turtle shell, were discovered at the Famen Temple in 1987. [15] In 1987 a large number of treasures dating to the Tang dynasty period were uncovered at the site. [17] Among the over 27,000 cash coins found at the temple there were 13 turtle shell cash coins with the inscription Kaiyuan Tongbao, they have a diameter of 2.75 centimeters, a thickness of 0.06 centimeters, and a weight of 24.8 grams. [15]
In Buddhism turtle shells are among the 7 treasures and these cash coins may have been made to commemorate a very special occasion. [15] Likely by the the order of a Tang dynasty emperor to honour a sacred relic of Gautama Buddha that was located at the Famen Temple. [15]
"《佛說陀羅尼集經》中曰:“其七寶者:一金二銀三珍珠四珊瑚五玳瑁六水晶七琉璃”.
This tantra states that there are seven "treasures" or precious things: (1) gold, (2) silver, (3) pearl, (4) coral, (5) turtle shell, (6) crystal, (7) colored glaze."
- Dharani Samuccaya Sutra (佛說陀羅尼集經, Fú shuō tuóluóní jí jīng), translated into English by Gary Ashkenazy (加里·阿什凱納齊) from the Primal Trek – a journey through Chinese culture website. [15]
As no mention of these turtle shell Kaiyuan Tongbao cash coins exist in any historical records or text both Chinese archaeologists and numismatists were surprised with the find. [15] Experts do note that the number of the coins (13) is considered auspicious in Buddhism, which may be related to the fact that there are 13 turtle shell coins. [15] This is further reflected in there being 13 sects in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, 13, floors at the Tibetan Potala Palace and that the Famen Pagoda (where the coins were found) also had 13 floors. [15]
As of 2021 these were the oldest known turtle shell coins found anywhere in the world. [15]
There are a number of Chinese numismatic charms which have inscriptions written in bird-worm seal script. [18] Bird-worm seal script is one of one of the oldest Chinese scripts, which originated more than 2500 years ago, because of its attractive style, Chinese kings and nobles during the Warring States period liked using bird-worm seal script on their personal seals and as decoration on various important objects such as their weaponry. [19] [18] In later dynasties this style of Chinese calligraphy would be used to write the inscriptions of a number of Chinese numismatic charms. [18]
During the Song dynasty period a bird-worm seal script coin charm was produced with the inscription Guihe Qishou (traditional Chinese: 龜鶴齊壽; simplified Chinese: 龟鹤齐寿; pinyin: Guī hè qí shòu), which translates to "Live as long as the tortoise and the crane". [18] This inscription is based on the fact that the Chinese traditionally believed that both the tortoise and the heron (crane) live long lives. [18] The inscription of this coin charm is read top-bottom-right-left and is 6.4 centimeters in diameter, has a thickness of 4 millimeters, and a weight of 71.1 grams. [18]
The main characteristic of bird-worm seal script is that the characters resemble animals. [18] Because of this the top character (龜, "Tortoise") actually resembles a tortoise, the bottom character (鶴, "Heron") looks like a bird, the character located to the right or the central square home (齊, "Are equal to" or "be the same as") resembles 3 "worms", and the left character (壽, "Longevity") looks like it has a s-shaped "worm" running through the middle of it. [18]
A Mongol-led Yuan and Ming dynasty period Chinese coin amulet contains both bird-worm seal script and regular script, this charm also has the same inscription as the aforementioned inscription (龜鶴齊壽) written in both scripts, each on one side or the coin. [18] The Yuan and Ming period charm is slightly smaller than the Song period charm with a diameter of 5.81 centimeters. [18] In 2014 a specimen or this charm was sold by China Guardian Auctions for about $ 1,780 ( ¥ 11,500). [18]
Donald Trung/Modern cultural influences of cash coins in art and discoveries | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chinese name | |||||||
Traditional Chinese | 古銅錢的風水 | ||||||
Simplified Chinese | 古铜钱的风水 | ||||||
Literal meaning | "Old copper coin's feng shui" | ||||||
| |||||||
Vietnamese name | |||||||
Vietnamese alphabet | Tiền xu phong thủy / Đồng xu phong thủy [b] | ||||||
Hán-Nôm | 錢樞風水 / 銅樞風水 |
The usage of cash coins in the Chinese pseudoscientific [20] [21] [22] practice of feng shui is commonplace influencing many superstitions involving them. Believers in feng shui believe in a primal life force called qi (or chi) and apply their beliefs to the design of residential houses, as well as to commercial and public buildings, sometimes incorporating cash coins into the flow of this supposed qi. [23]
Cash coins are category of ancient Chinese coinage which are typically round in shape and have a square central hole, these coins were used as the main currency of imperial China between 221 BC and 1912 AD. In feng shui cash coins are believed to be able to attract wealth and prosperity and to ward off "evil spirits" (煞氣, shà qì). However, placing them an outward facing position is believed to cause misfortune and placing them at the wrong places supposedly attracts "evil spirits" and poverty. For this reason special care is usually taken by feng shui practitioners when handling cash coins. While classic Chinese coins can come in a huge variety, particular categories of them enjoy more celebrity status than others, this is because Feng shui practitioners believe that some cash coin inscriptions are more auspicious than others, for example the Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) is commonly seen as an auspicious inscription because it was produced in a period of military and economic ascendancy in Chinese history, while the Xuanhe Tongbao (宣和通寶) is seen as inauspicious because it was produced during a more tumultuous era.
Feng shui practitioners typically place cash coins that are strung together somewhere in their house or in a cash register to supposedly attract wealth, alternatively they may carry them around as an accessory or place them in their wallet for good luck. A common way cash coins are used in feng shui is as a set of 5 coins known as the "Five Emperor Coins" ( see below), these are often used as counters to hanging beams or exposed pillars. When used for such purposes, the 5 coins are often tied together with a red string (as red is seen as an auspicious colour) so as to charge them with yang energy. When combined with Taoist beliefs cash coins could be strung in the shape of a sword to scare away evil spirits.
Because of their common association with feng shui, cash coins are commonly referred to as feng shui coins in English. [24]
The application of cash coins in feng shui should not be confused with the use of cash coin and cash coin-like amulets as "lucky charms" outside of feng shui, their usage in traditional Chinese medicine, or their their usage in traditional Chinese fortune telling.
The cash coin became the main standard currency of China in 221 BC with the Ban Liang (半兩) and would be produced until 1912 AD there with the Minguo Tongbao (民國通寶). Cash coins are characterised by their round outer shape and a square center hole ( Chinese: 方穿; pinyin: fāng chuān; Jyutping: fong1 cyun1; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: hong-chhoan). The hole in the centre of the coins allowed them to be strung together. [25] [26]
Originally cast during the Warring States period, these coins continued to be used for the entirety of Imperial China. [27] The last Chinese cash coins were cast in the first year of the Republic of China. Generally most cash coins were made from copper or bronze alloys, with iron, lead, and zinc coins occasionally used less often throughout Chinese history. Rare silver and gold cash coins were also produced. During most of their production, cash coins were cast, but during the late Qing dynasty, machine-struck cash coins began to be made. As the cash coins produced over Chinese history were similar, thousand year old cash coins produced during the Northern Song dynasty continued to circulate as valid currency well into the early twentieth century. [28]
Over the years, cash coins have had many different inscriptions, and the Wu Zhu (五銖) inscription, which first appeared under the Han dynasty, became the most commonly used inscription and was often used by succeeding dynasties for 700 years until the introduction of the Kaiyuan Tongbao (開元通寳) during the Tang dynasty. This was also the first time regular script was used as all earlier cash coins exclusively used seal script. During the Song dynasty a large number of different inscriptions was used, and several different styles of Chinese calligraphy were used, even on coins with the same inscriptions produced during the same period. These cash coins are known as matched coins (對錢). This was originally pioneered by the Southern Tang. During the Yuan dynasty, largely deprecated copper coinage was abandoned in favour of paper money. This trend continued under the Ming dynasty. Cash coins only contained the era names of the emperor during the Ming dynasty. Due to a naming taboo the term "Yuanbao" (元寶) was phased out from cash coin inscriptions as the founder of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang had the word "Yuan" (元) in his name. The trend of exclusively using the era names on currencies continued during the Qing dynasty, and all cash coins issued during this period were written in regular script.
Outside of China, Chinese cash coins have inspired the design of the Japanese mon, [29] Korean mun, [30] Ryukyuan mon, [31] and Vietnamese văn [32] [33] currencies and the last series of cash coins produced in the world were the French Indochinese Bảo Đại Thông Bảo (保大通寶) during the 1940s. [34]
Chinese people in the past believed that "similar things come together" and in this principle they believed that objects and events of the same nature will gather together: flowers go with flowers, grass goes with grass, gold goes with gold, like-minded people gather together, Etc. [35] Therefore they believed that hanging coins in the house will attract more money to their household or their village. [35]
Feng shui masters (traditional Chinese: 風水師; simplified Chinese: 风水师; pinyin: Fēngshuǐ shī) recommend the use of old Chinese cash coins to enhance the feng shui of a house (for the usage of old Chinese charms in the house, see " Chinese house charms"). [36] In feng shui certain cash coins are thought to be able to provide protection and promote good fortune. [36] Generally speaking, Feng shui masters always have a large number of Chinese copper-alloy cash coins on hand. [36] This is because cash coins, as well as jade, are the basic tools used to adjust the yin and yang forces of a house. [36] The reasons why cash coins have an important role in feng shui are numerous and concerns the very nature of Chinese cash coins as they have always been a potent instrument in feng shui. [36]
The reasons why Chinese cash coins have an important place in feng shui include:
Cash coins when used for feng shui purposes can be combined with other feng shui items to enhance their usage. [41] For example, if they are added to a Pixiu, it can strengthen the wealth effect of the Pixiu statuette, and if you add it to Qilin, it can also increase the power of eliminating evil spirits of the the Qilin statuette. [41] Other examples include gourds, where they supposedly strengthen its healing functions and countering evil spirits (sha qì), mystic knots for protection, and crystals for wealth. [38]
While feng shui coins are typically made from copper-alloys, they can also be made from stone, jade, other metals, Etc. [42]
Some cash coins considered to be suitable and others unsuitable for feng shui to provide protection from evil and the promotion of good fortune, on this Chinese Feng shui masters note that the supposed "effectiveness" of a cash coin is dependent on the coin's alloy and quality, how many people have previously used it, and the time period when the cash coin was produced. [36]
Factors typically considered by Feng shui masters include:
In feng shui, the term Five Emperor Coins (traditional Chinese: 五帝錢 / 五帝幣; simplified Chinese: 五帝钱 / 五帝币; pinyin: Wǔdì qián / Wǔdì bì; Vietnamese: Tiền ngũ đế / Tiền năm vua), also sometimes called "Five Emperor Money Coins" in English, refers to a set of cash coins that were produced during the early and High Qing eras when the Qing dynasty was at its height both militarily and economically. [36] This set includes authentic cash coins produced during the reigns of the Shunzhi, Kangxi, Emperor, Qianlong, and Jiaqing Emperors. [36] As this period was when China's national power was the strongest, the authority of the emperor dominated, and Chinese society enjoyed stability the Five Emperor Coins are seen as having the essence of "heaven, earth, and people" (天、地、人). [44] In this context it is sometimes referred to as "genius, genius, talent" (天才,地才,人才). [41] Five Emperor Coins are also used with Tai Sui practices. [44]
The five emperors reigned from 1644 to 1824, which happened to be a cycle in feng shui (as a cycle occurs every 180 years). [45] The Shunzhi reign period belongs to northern water (北方水), Kangxi belongs to eastern wood (東方木), Yongzheng belongs to central earth (中央土), Qianlong belongs to western metal (西方金), and Jiaqing belongs to southern fire (南方火), which is exactly the symbol of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. [45]
Feng shui masters typically advise people to select cash coins for feng shui purposes that are approximately the same size and thickness as each other. [36] During the 60 year-long reign of the Qianlong Emperor a large quantity of Qianlong Tongbao cash coins were produced in varying sizes and qualities, this means that when selecting cash coins with this inscription special attention has to be given. [36]
The Five Emperor Coins consist of: [36]
Five Emperor Coins (五帝錢) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Inscription ( Traditional Chinese) |
Translation of the era name | Reign period | Note(s) | Image |
Shunzhi Tongbao (順治通寶) |
"To rule smoothly". | 1644–1661 | In feng shui this cash coin symbolises change, new beginnings, and origins. [38] | |
Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶) |
"Healthy and prosperous". | 1662–1722 | In feng shui this cash coin signifies wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. [38] | |
Yongzheng Tongbao (雍正通寶) |
"Harmony and upright". | 1723–1735 | In feng shui this cash coin represents strength, will-power, and influence. [38] | |
Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) |
"Lasting eminence". | 1736–1795 | The term "Qianlong" is a homophonic pun with the word " coin dragon" (錢龍, qián lóng) making it an especially auspicious inscription for attracting wealth. [36] In feng shui this cash coin epitomises wisdom, stability, and intelligence. [38] | |
Jiaqing Tongbao (嘉慶通寶) |
"Good and celebrate". | 1796–1820 | In feng shui this cash coin embodies hard work, conviction, and decisiveness. [38] |
Alternative set of Five Emperor Coins: [46]
Inscription ( Traditional Chinese) |
Emperor (Traditional Chinese) |
Dynasty | Note(s) | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ban Liang (半兩) |
Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) |
Qin dynasty | ||
Wu Zhu (五銖) |
Wu of Han (漢武帝) |
Han dynasty | ||
Kaiyuan Tongbao (開元通寳) |
Taizong of Tang (唐太宗) |
Tang dynasty | ||
Songyuan Tongbao (宋元通寳) |
Taizu of Song (宋太祖) |
Song dynasty | ||
Yongle Tongbao (永樂通寳) |
Yongle Emperor (永樂帝) |
Ming dynasty |
In feng shui before being used Five Emperor Coins, like other feng shui items, have to be consecrated by a Feng shui master for them to have a feng shui effect. [44] Consecration of Five Emperor Coins usually takes place from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning "when the dragon raises its head", after consecration, the Five Emperor Coins should not be touched by outsiders. [44] If the cash coins are dirty, they are either replaced or wiped with a little salt water, after drying, they are usually placed in the ground the next morning. [44] If the consecrated Five Emperor Coins need to be replaced they are usually wrapped in red cloth and put at the temple incense candle recycling place or at crossroads to supposedly let its aura dissipate. [44]
In order to attract wealth, Five Emperor Coins cash coins are usually placed placed in the area of the house where wealth is kept or generated such as the living room, work room (for those who work from home), altars, vaults or a safe, Etc. where they are usually strung together in a particular order. [44] Sometimes they are also placed inside of a car. [44]
Cash coins can also be worn for feng shui purposes as their square central holes conveniently allows them to be strung to a red cord, ribbon or a piece of clothing or to be worn as a necklace. [36] Cash coins are typically strung while using it in this manner using red cords due to red being considered an auspicious colour in Chinese culture. [36] According to the teaching of feng shui wearing cash coins can provide "personal protection from ghosts and other evils". [36] Alternative, cash coins do not necessarily have to be worn on the body of the person but could be placed in any number of accessoires for their supposed "effect" in feng shui as they could be placed in a purse, handbag or hung on the shoulder strap of a handbag. [44] Placing a set of Five Emperor Coins inside of a wallet is believed to attract wealth. [44]
According to Feng shui masters, cash coin necklaces should be worn in a slip knot, which is known in Mandarin as a Huójié (活結), because slip knots can easily be untied by only pulling on one cord meaning that a cash coin is able to automatically" fall off as they believe that in the presence of a nearby powerful evil force should "suddenly fall" meaning that the necklace functions as a "very good warning system" that can warn its wearer to leave immediately if such a fall occurs. [36]
According feng shui cash coins placed at inside of the home can ward off evil spirits, this is because it is believed that evil spirits typically attempt to enter a house through gates, doors, and windows and Feng shui masters claim that by placing feng shui coins close to where it is believed evil spirits will enter they will be unable to rush inside. [36] Furthermore, in feng shui cash coins fulfill the purpose of promoting harmony in the household, and attracting both wealth and good fortune. [36] Placing cash coins in an area associated with money such as a vault or a cash register is believed to attract more wealth (see also: Vault protector coin). [44]
When new houses are constructed 5 sets of Qing dynasty Five Emperor Coins are sometimes placed at specific locations in order to attract both wealth and prosperity. [44] These sets of Five Emperor Coins are placed at the four corners and the centre of the house in a specific sequence and because the interior area is usually relatively large, it is believed that Five Emperor Coins cannot be used in the interior because their supposed power isn't enough for such a large area. [44] All 5 sets of Five Emperor Coins are placed facing the gate, with 5 Shunzhi Tongbao in the left corner, 5 Kangxi Tongbao in the right corner, 5 Yongzheng Tongbao are placed in the centre, 5 Qianlong Tongbao are placed in the rear left corner, and 5 Jiaqing Tongbao in the rear right corner. [44]
Traditionally, "protection" was usually achieved by burying feng shui coins under the threshold of the house, [44] but as many modern people live in apartment buildings "burying" cash coins has become less convenient it has now become more commonplace to hide them under a doormat or to hang the cash coins on a door handle. [36] When using Five Emperor Coins these are usually chronologically arranged. [36] Sometimes cash coins are also placed underneath rugs or floor mats in order to strengthen the presence of "earth" energy when the level below is empty space such as a vehicle parking lot. [38]
When placed on the right side of an entrance gate, Five Emperor Coins hung from a yellow cord are believed to help prevent female family members from being too argumentative or quarrelsome. [36] [41] In Chinese culture, the colour yellow is associated with the legendary Yellow Emperor and in feng shui yellow is perceived a potent symbol of both imperial rule and general authority. [36]
When placed at the gate of the house, in feng shui Five Emperor Coins are to be placed chronologically from right-to-left. [44] At the same time, it is required that the feet of the ancient coins face inward and the observe of the coin face upwards. [44] In feng shui it is believed that if the foot of the characters is turned outward that it would cause depression to the inhabitants of the household. [44]
Placing 2 copper-alloy cash coins under a pillow is believed to ensure harmony in a marriage. [36] [41]
In traditional Chinese homes the ridgepole is the main cross beam located at the top of the house which provides major support for the roof, typically these ridgepoles are painted red because it is seen as an auspicious colour in Chinese culture and a Bagua charm (a type of cash coin amulet), sometimes including the yin and yang symbol, is usually hung from the ridgepole. [47] This is typically done by drilling two holes at the top and bottom of the amulet. [47] Alongside the cash coin amulet ted paper and cloth banners are hung from the ridgepole during its hoisting. [47] These banners have such auspicious sayings as Fú xīng gāo zhào (福星高照, "Let the five good fortunes shine brightly"), Jiāng tài gōng zài cǐ (姜太公在此, "The Protector Jiang Taigong is here"), Fènghuáng zài cǐ (鳳凰在此, "The male and female phoenix are both here"), and Zǐ wēi gāo zhào (紫微高照, "Let the purple polar star shine brightly"). [47] Besides being attached to the ridgepole during the construction of a house, an Eight Trigram cash coin amulet is frequently placed on a main gate or door, these may have inscriptions on them to ward off demons such as Zhǎn zhì xié guǐ (斬治邪鬼, "behead and punish the demons"). [47]
It is also customary in feng shui during the 5th day of the 5th month ( Duanwu) to hang a five poisons charm on a door or gate as a form of protection. [47] This is done because a host of dangerous pests such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and others tend to become more common during the summer. [47] The leaves of a Acorus calamus plant, which resemble a sword, are sometimes hung on the same location for the same intended effect. [47]
In order to ensure and promote "good fortune" for the family Chinese people traditionally nailed cash coin amulets with auspicious inscriptions, such as Changming Fugui (長命富貴, "Longevity, wealth, and honour") and Fushou Tongtian (福壽同天, "good fortune and longevity on the same day") on a gate or wall. [47] Sometimes these good luck amulets feature observe sides that have inscriptions identical to cash coins, such as Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寳), but may be significantly larger in size, for example a Qianlong Tongbao charm being 38 millimeters in diameter and having a weight of 10.6 grams. [47]
One of the most popular "good luck" motifs found in old Chinese houses consists of five bats (五蝠) surrounding the Chinese character for "longevity" (壽). [47] A specific type of cash coin amulet, known as an open-work charm, with this design is known as a Wufu Pengshou (五福捧壽, "five fortunes surround longevity") and is commonly hung on a door or gate to wish for blessings and a long life. [47]
In feng shui, coin-swords are often hung to frighten away demons and evil spirits. [48] [49] [50] Coin-swords are a type of Chinese numismatic charm that are primarily used in southern China. [51] The supposed powers of coin-swords do not come from the associated wealth symbolism that usually comes with cash coins. [48] But with the design form of the cash coins used to make the sword, as well as the dynastic origins of the cash coins that carry the Emperor's reign era title. [48] As such, in feng shui the supposed power of the coin-swords will depend heavily on which Chinese emperor's inscription is written down on the cash coins. [48]
They are frequently hung above the bed, on residential walls, on the front and the outside of the bridal bed-curtain, or above the windows of a building. [50] [49] It is believed that evil spirits would not dare molest the residents of the house where the coin-sword hangs because the sword resembles that wielded by the Taoist immortal Zhong Kui, who in Chinese mythology is famous for being a slayer of evil demons. [50] Most Chinese coin-swords consist of Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寳) cash coins. [49] Coin-swords made from Qing dynasty cash coins with the inscription Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶) are considered to be the most effective. [50]
About the time of a woman's confinement after her marriage, a coin-sword is sometimes taken to be hung inside of the bridal bed-curtain, usually in a position that is parallel to the horizon. [49]
In feng shui certain cash coins are seen as being inauspicious and are discouraged by Feng shui masters because, according to them, rather than acting as a deterrent to evil they might attract it. [52] [36]
Factors typically seen as indicating an inauspicious cash coins by Feng shui masters include:
As the Five Emperor Coins are seen as auspicious because the economy of the Qing dynasty was in its ascendancy during the reigns of the 5 emperors mentioned in the inscriptions and China enjoyed a period a military strength, Qing dynasty period cash coins produced during times when the empire was gradually falling into serious dynastic decline are seen as inauspicious for feng shui purposes. [36] Despite this a number of dealers selling feng shui coins have been promoting "Six Emperor Coins" (六帝錢, 六帝钱) and "Ten Emperor Coins" (十帝錢, 十帝钱) which include cash coins produced during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor and later when the Qing dynasty was entering its century of humiliation. [36] For this reason, Feng shui masters advise against using "Six Emperor Coins" and "Ten Emperor Coins" coin sets. [36]
In feng shui, cash coins are believed to not just attract wealth, good fortune, and harmony when placed in the house but may also attract evil spirits (sha qì) if they are placed in certain positions or at certain places. [44]
Due to the cultural influence of feng shui in the Greater China region ancient Chinese coinages have been adopted into the logo design of many companies in the region, which is often referred to as the "symbolic feng shui coin logo design". [55] Logos that are based on the various concepts and forms that are found in feng shui are the most preferred visual representation used by financial institutions such as banks in the Greater China region, with ancient Chinese coins being used in particular. [55]
For this reason, cash coins in feng shui have developed into distinctive and unique style of logo design language in the region. [55]
Description | Implied or hidden meaning | Supposed effect(s) | Usages (placement) |
Image |
---|---|---|---|---|
An apricot flower amulet (traditional Chinese: 梅花銅錢; simplified Chinese: 梅花铜钱; pinyin: Méihuā tóngqián; Vietnamese: Hoa mai kim tiền) [e] typically has 5 "petals" and a pentagonal central hole, on each of their "petals" they have a Traditional Chinese character on them typically reading "長命守富貴". [35] | According to feng shui, apricot flowers have a place that directly affects the fortune and luck of its owner. [35] The 5 petals of the money flower represent the five wuxing elements Metal - Wood - Water - Fire - Earth, bringing balance and harmonization of elements in the apartment. [35] | A pair of apricot flower amulets supposedly have the ability to protect their owners against weapons, bad air in the family, alongside the ability to bring good luck to family members. [35] | In the house of the owner, typically in pairs of two. [35] These amulets are typically hung in the northwest, west, and north and feng shui practitioners avoid hanging them in the east, southwest, and northeast directions. [35] These amulets can also be hung around the waist (where they would supposedly ensure a safe entry and exit from a place). | |
3 coins on a red string (Vietnamese: Tiền xu Tam Tài). [35] | The 3 cash coins represent the harmony between Heaven - Earth - Man (Thiên – Địa – Nhân). [35] | To bring good fortune, satisfaction, and prosperity to the owner and their whole family. [35] | They are typically hung on an ancestor altar, placed in a cash register, or put in a wallet. [35] The obverse of the cash coins must always face up. [35] | |
A Chinese amulet surrounded by 5 bats, hung on a red string with a slip knot. [56] | This type of feng shui coin amulet was originally created during the Qianlong period (1735–1796) and is known in Vietnamese as đồng tiền xu cổ Phúc Tinh Chiêu Tài. [56] The five bats are a reference to the Five Blessings. [56] | Ward off adversaries, neutralise disasters, and attract good fortune. [56] | ||
A string of cash coins with a "new year's picture" below it. [47] The lower portion has what appears to be one very large and complex Chinese character. [47] However, these are the four Chinese characters zhao cai jin bao (招財進寶) which roughly translates as "money and treasures will be plentiful" or "attracts wealth and treasure". [47] This design of a New Year's picture with an auspicious inscription is also commonly found on diamond-shaped red paper in Chinese homes around lunar new year. [47] | Around the time of Chinese New Year, Chinese families will hang nianhua (年画), or "New Year's pictures", somewhere inside of their house. [47] Most of these are pictures associated with good fortune. [47] The picture below the cash coins is an example of a New Year's picture with an auspicious inscription. [47] Actually, these are 4 Chinese characters that have been combined into one. [47] The Chinese refer to this as lianzi (連字, 连字) which means linked or combined characters. [47] | Attract wealth for the new year. [47] | Around the house. [47] [f] | |
A cash coin-shaped Bagua amulet (see: " Book of Changes and Bagua charms") hung on a red cord with a slip knot (Vietnamese: Tiền xu Bát Quái). [35] | A "trigram" is a three-lined symbol. Each of the three lines can either be continuous or broken. In Chinese culture, Yin-Yang (陰陽, 阴阳) is the term for the basic polarities of the universe, such as male/female, light/dark, strong/weak, etc. and in these symbols a straight line represents yang (陽, 阳) and a broken line represents yin (陰, 阴). There are eight possible combinations of these trigrams and they are known collectively as the Eight Trigrams or the bagua (八卦). | |||
Round coin with a round hole in the middle. [57] | These coins symbolise the spirit of heaven, immensity, and integrity. [57] | These feng shui coins supposedly limit conflicts. [57] | ||
A 10 petal apricot flower to attract money (Vietnamese: Đồng tiền hoa mai 10 cánh hút tiền tài) is a feng shui coin amulet that includes a large amulet with 10 Qing dynasty period cash coins surrounding it, hung on a red cord with a slip knot. [57] | Placed the coin right behind the backrest of the chair of the phòng tiểu nhân. [57] The desk drawer where important documents are stored. [57] Attached via clips in files, bags when going to trade, do business. [57] | |||
Five Emperor Coins with a Bagua amulet attached to it. [57] | The Eight Trigrams and the Yin-Yang symbol symbolise harmony. [57] | Bring harmony to owner. [57] | At a door in a direction considered to be "suitable for the age of the owner". [57] |
The rationale behind this is quite simple. Infant mortality rates were higher in the past, so when a newborn reached '满月' (pronounced "man yue" and literally translated as 'full moon') in good health, this was a milestone worth celebrating. Widespread superstition also meant that families would be reluctant to announce their baby's birth until he or she made it to the full month, in fear of jinxing the wee one.
DESCRIPTION: Song Dynasty, "Chang Ming Fu Gui" Charm Coin, XF
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Đồng xu phong thủy tượng trưng cho tài lộc, của cải và cát khí. Tuy nhiên, phụ thuộc vào hình dạng và số lượng mà ý nghĩa các đồng xu cũng có sự thay cho đổi.
Logos based on concepts and forms (particularly ancient Chinese coins) found in Feng Shui were the most preferred visual representation used by banks in the Greater China region.
Feng Shui Category:Feng Shui Category:Environmental design Category:Chinese culture
While cash coins are no longer produced as official currency today, they remain a common motif in the countries where they once circulated and among the diaspora of those communities. Most commonly cash coins are associated with "good luck" and "wealth" today and are commonly known as "Chinese lucky coins" because of their usage in charms and feng shui. Cash coins also appear in fortune telling and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, cash coins are often found in the logos and emblems of financial institutions in East Asia and Vietnam because of their association with "wealth" and their historical value.
While cash coins are no longer produced as official currency today, they remain a common motif in the countries where they once circulated and among the diaspora of those communities. Most commonly cash coins are associated with "good luck" and "wealth" today and are commonly known as "Chinese lucky coins" because of their usage in charms and feng shui (see " Cash coins in feng shui"). Cash coins also appear in fortune telling (see " I Ching divination § Coins") and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, cash coins are often found in the logos and emblems of financial institutions in East Asia and Vietnam because of their association with "wealth" and their historical value.
List of 2022 coin hoards in Mainland China | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date of discovery | Place of discovery | Image | Content | Long description of the find and notes | Date (if known) |
Current location (if known) |
23 October 2022 | Shuangdun Village, Jianhu County, Yancheng city, Jiangsu province | 1.5 tonnes of cash coins dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties. | During an excavation in Shuangdun Village, Jianhu County of Yancheng City in the province of Jiangsu a coin hoard consisting of 1.5 tonnes of cash coins was discovered. [2] In ancient China, such treasure hoards were often buried in the ground by their owners to preserve precious porcelain objects, cash coins, metal tools, and other valuables. [2] These bronze cash coins, mostly dating to the Song dynasty period, were connected to each other with a series of straw ropes and were neatly layered and paved inside of a pit mouth. [2] This pit mouth of the coun hoard was square in shape and measured at 1.63 meters in length, 1.58 meters in width, and 0.5 meters in depth. [2] Because these cash coins still had clear inscriptions and we're all well-preserved they can serve as important value for future archaeological and numismatic research. In total 70 wells were also discovered around the coin hoard. [2] The location of the near an battle frontline of the Jin–Song Wars, for this reason researchers speculate if the excavation site may have belonged to a hutted military camp from this period. [2] | Jin–Song Wars |