coin sword; amulet

Coin sword constructed from a central iron rod with rows of cast brass coins threaded through with yellow string to form the blade, guard and pommel. The grip is bound with English newspaper. Suspended from the pommel is a coin ball strung together by yellow string. Most coins used in this sword are from the reign of the Qianlong emperor, 1736-95, who ruled a full sixty year cycle according to the Chinese calendar, which is a very auspicious number. Some coins are from the Jiaqing period, 1796-1820, some from the Daoguang period, 1821-50, and some from the Xianfeng period, 1851-61.

A coin sword was often found hanging on the wall or above the bed to drive away evil spirits.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
nn8524
Date
19th century
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 198 g; overall: 470 x 87 x 35 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
brass, paper, plant fibre; iron
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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