Bronze numismatic charm Trigrams of the Mountain Ghost

Chinese numismatic charms, or' Yansheng coins' refer to a wide range of amulets and talismans manufactured in a coin-like style, which originated and became widespread during the Western Han Dynasty (2th century BCE). Inititally this started with the use of coins from former ruling dynasties and empires (coins that were of no longer use as currency) as talismans and amulets. Over time this developed into casting coins especially for this purpose (with symbols for good luck, wellwishes and prosperity).

Nowadays coin-like, numismatic charms are well-known as a commodity in itself. Think for example about the Feng Shui 'lucky coins'. The numismatic charms are used for a wide range of purposes, such as wearing them as personal amulets or using them for divination purposes. They can be found in many different types, styles and shapes.

This numismatic charm is decorated with a symbolism known as the 'Shan Gui Lei Ting' or "Trigrams of the Mountain Ghost'. It is considered a very strong protective charm, scaring away evil spirits with the magical writings on it.

The writing in Chinese characters can be translated as: "Duke of Thunder, clear out and kill the ghosts and send down purity. Behead the demons, expel the evil and keep us eternally safe. Let this command from Lao Zi be executed quickly." This writing calls upon Lei Gong, a deity associated with thunderstorms and divine punishment, with a main function of punishing wrongdoers (especially those who have escaped earthly justice) by unleashing thunder as a form of divine retribution. 

The other side shows Zhenwu (or Xuanwu), a high-ranking deity in Taoism. His name can be translated as "Dark Warrior" and refers to him being a personification of the North direction and all dynamics associated with this. He is particularly revered as a patron deity by martial arts practitioners and as a deity protecting against evil, curses and diseases. The depiction of Zhenwu is paired with the eight trigrams of Par Har Ge and a Taoist magical protective writing. 

Size is 47 millimeters in diameter. Weight is 36 grams. This bronze charm has been recently made, but treated with special methods to gain a nice 'antique-look'. 

Only one available.