User:Donald Trung/Open-work charms

Original draft

[[File:Amulet. SMVK EM objekt 1299075 B.jpg|thumb|right|A Chinese open-work charm on display at the [[Museum of Ethnography, Sweden]].]] '''Open-work charms''' ({{zh|t=鏤空錢 / 玲瓏錢|s=镂空钱 / 玲珑钱| hp=lòu kōng qián / líng lóng qián| l= Hollowed out money / Elegant money |links=yes}}) are a type of [[Chinese numismatic charm|Chinese]], [[Japanese numismatic charm|Japanese]], and [[Korean numismatic charm]]<ref>Ramsden, H.A. - ''Corean Coin Charms and Amulets''.</ref> characterised by irregularly shaped "holes" or "openings" between their design elements known as [[openwork]]. The design of the amulets represent yin while the holes represent yang and their general purpose was to attract good fortune and ward off evil spirits and misfortune.<ref>Compendium of Chinese Amulets Part 1: Openworks 29p loose, 1995.</ref> Unlike most other types of Chinese numismatic charms which usually tend to have square center holes if they’re holed, open-work charms tend to almost exclusively have round center holes though open-work charms with square center holes are known to exist and certain thematic open-work charms that feature human-made constructions mostly told to have square holes. Another distinctive feature of open-work charms is that they’re almost purely based on illustrative imagery and only a small minority of them contain legends written in [[Hanzi]] characters. While most other forms of Chinese numismatic charms are made from [[brass]] open-work charms are predominantly made from [[bronze]].<ref name="primaltrek">{{cite web|url= http://primaltrek.com/openwork.html |title= Chinese Open Work Charms - 鏤空錢 - "Hollowed Out" Money.|date=16 November 2016|accessdate=25 April 2018|work= Gary Ashkenazy / גארי אשכנזי (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture)}}</ref><ref>Sportstune (Chinese charms) [http://sportstune.com/chinese/charms/8.html Chinese charms, section 8]. 8. OPEN WORK CHARMS. 8.1 Geometric designs. 8.2 Plants and flowers. 8.3 Dragons. 8.4 Dragon and Phoenix. 8.5 Phoenix or birds. 8.6 Deer or other animals. 8.7 Fish. 8.8 Human figures. 8.9 Buildings. Retrieved: 02 May 2018.</ref><ref>LIU Chunsheng, Zhongguo gudai loukong huaqian kianshang ([[Beijing]]: Zuojia chubanshe, 2005) {{ISBN|7-5063-3237-X}} // 刘春声著：《中国古代镂空花钱鉴赏》，北京：作家出版社，2005年。(in [[Mandarin Chinese]] using [[Simplified Chinese characters]]).</ref> Japanese open-work charms (known as ''E-sen'') tend to be inferior in quality and are easily distinguishable from the rest.{{sfn|Semans|page=3}} Open-work charms were primarily used by women and children and were seen to bedclothes and sedan chairs as well as hung in cupboards.<ref>The Compendium - page 3.</ref> Unlike most types of other Chinese numismatic charms open-work charms don’t have a large overlap with other types, but some [[Chinese Boy charms]] are also open-work charms and resemble any other "normal" open-work charms but have a statuette of a boy sitting or crouching on top of the "coin". == History == Open-work charms were originally first cast under the reign of the [[Han dynasty]], but a large number of the ones from this era are mostly just small fractions taken from other utensils made from metal. During the [[Song dynasty|Song]], [[Mongol Empire|Mongol]] [[Yuan dynasty|Yuan]], and [[Ming dynasty|Ming dynasties]] open-work charms were popularly used as [[Fashion|dress ornament]]s for the adornment of the wearer. During the Ming dynasty open-work charms with themes of buildings and temples were primarily made in the [[Yunnan]]ese [[Dali City|city of Dali]]. By the time of the [[Manchu people|Manchu]] [[Qing dynasty]] open-work charms seemed to have become less popular, unlike earlier open-work charms those produced during the Qing dynasty tend to be yellow in colour as opposed to the earlier brown ones due to the switch from bronze to brass.<ref>H.A. Ramsden - Chinese Openwork Amulet Coins.</ref> == Categories of open-work charms == === Fundamental or "basic" categories === There are 4 fundamental divisions or "categories", one based on animals (including mythological animals such as [[Chinese dragon|dragons]], [[qilin]], and [[fenghuang]]), one based on humans and human-like figures such as Taoist immortals, but can also use people to demonstrate a scene such as the illustration of [[filial piety]] from [[Confucianism]], a category of open-work charms that depict plants, and finally a category that depicts man-made constructions such as temples and other types of buildings.<ref>The Language and Iconography of Chinese Charms: Deciphering a Past Belief System (English and Chinese Edition) by Alex Changyu Fang and François Thierry. 1st ed. 2016 Edition. Published by Springer. {{ISBN|978-9811017919}}, {{ISBN|9811017913}}</ref><ref>J. Mevius - Chinese charms and amulets. Publication date: January 1, 1968</ref> === Table of themes of open-work charms === {|class="wikitable" |- ! Theme !! Image |- | Open-work charms with immortals and people || [[File:91643 SMVK OM objekt 118302.jpg|75px]] |- | [[Chinese dragon|Dragon]] open-work charms || [[File:91643 SMVK OM objekt 118342.jpg|75px]] |- | [[Fenghuang|Phoenix]] open-work charms || |- | Peacock open-work charms || [[File:91643 SMVK OM objekt 118324.jpg|75px]] |- | [[Qilin|Chinese Unicorn]] open-work charms || |- | Bat open-work charms || |- | Lotus open-work charms || |- | Flower and Vine open-work charms || |- | Open-work charms with buildings and temples{{efn|Most of the open-work charms depicting buildings and temples are believed to have been cast in the [[Dali City|city of Dali]], [[Yunnan]] during the Ming dynasty.}} || |- | Fish open-work charms || [[File:91619 SMVK EM objekt 1016714 (1).jpg|75px]] |- | Deer open-work charms || [[File:Section 8.6 Open-work charm - Deer or other animals - John Ferguson.jpg|75px]] |- | Lion open-work charms || |- | Tiger open-work charms || |- | Rabbit open-work charms || |- | Bird open-work charms || |- | Crane open-work charms || |- | Horse open-work charms || |} == Examples of symbolism in the different themes of open-work charms == {{Main|Chinese numismatic charm#Implied and hidden meanings of Chinese numismatic charms}} The ancient Chinese people believed that charms and amulets with certain symbols on them could attract good luck and protect them from all fortune and malicious spirits, for this reason many open-work charms display themes from [[Chinese folklore]], [[Chinese folk religion|religion]], and [[Chinese mythology]] as well have other depictions that are ascribed to have auspicious abilities in Chinese symbolism.<ref>C.A.S. Williams - Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives.</ref> {{Quote|"The occult powers ascribed in China in all times and ages to charms and spells may be said to have no limit. It puts in the foreront an important tenet: Words are no idle sounds, characters or penstrokes are not mere ink or paint, but they constitute or produce the reality which they represent. And whereas any desired magical effect may be expressed in word or writing, charms and spells can effect everything." - H.A. Ramsden}} Open-work charms are also known to have [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], [[Confucianism|Confucianist]], or [[Taoism|Taoist]] design elements and may portray both figures and concepts from those religions. Open-work charms may also feature a combination of various symbols such as lotus flowers and fish <ref>ChinaZeug.de – [http://www.chinazeug.de/c485.htm Amulett in Durchbruchtechnik - vermutlich Song Dynastie - Beidseitig : Zwei Fische, zwei Lotusblüten] by Dr. Yi and Ralf Thomann. Retrieved: 09 August 2018. (in [[German language|German]])</ref> or dragons and fenghuang on the same charm.<ref>ChinaZeug.de – [http://www.chinazeug.de/c589.htm Amulett in Durchbruchtechnik - vermutlich Ming Dynastie - Av: Drache links, Phoenix rechts - Rv: Phoenix links, Drache rechts] by Dr. Yi and Ralf Thomann. Retrieved: 09 August 2018. (in [[German language|German]])</ref> === Bats === Several open-work charms feature [[bat]]s, this is because bats could be interpreted as a [[rebus]] for "good luck" as the [[Mandarin Chinese]] word for "bat" (蝠, ''fú'') sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word for "good luck" (福, ''fú''). An example of a Chinese open-work charm with a bat design that was quite popular during the [[Ming dynasty|Ming]] and [[Qing dynasty|Qing dynasties]] would be one where five bats surrounded the [[Shou (character)|Hanzi character for "longevity"]] (壽), this open-work charm is a play on the popular Chinese saying "five fortunes surround longevity" (五福捧壽, ''wǔ fú pěng shòu'').<ref name="primaltrek"/> === Confucian filial piety === Some Chinese open-work charms depict the concept of [[filial piety]] from [[Confucianism]], for example there is an open-work charm which displays four stories from "The Twenty-Four Examples of Filial Piety", in these stories examples are given of how children should obey their parents and respect the elderly which are all central themes of Confucianism. These open-work charms are also part of a larger family of [[Confucian charms]].<ref name="primaltrek"/> === Dragons === [[File:91643 SMVK OM objekt 118342.jpg|thumb|right|A Chinese open-work charm depicting two dragons chasing each other's tails on display at the [[Museum of Ethnography, Sweden]].]] [[Chinese dragon]]s are often used as a theme for open-work charms with the vast majority of dragon themed open-work charms depicting two dragon, while amulets with a single dragon are less frequently seen. An example of an open-work charm with only a single Chinese dragon has the dragon is facing left with its head located just to the left of central hole. The neck of the dragon is shaped like an "S" while its body is coiled upwards of its head. Unlike other Chinese numismatic charms which depict two seasons open-work charms that depict two Chinese dragons rarely have them face each other but more often have them chase each others tails.<ref>ChinaZeug.de – [http://www.chinazeug.de/c261.htm Amulett in Durchbruchtechnik - Beidseitig : Zwei Drachen] by Dr. Yi and Ralf Thomann. Retrieved: 09 August 2018. (in [[German language|German]])</ref> In many cases the two dragons appear to be fighting over a pearl which could be the wish-granting pearl from the Chinese [[eight treasures]].<ref name="primaltrek"/> Open-work charms that depict two dragons chasing each other head to tail are the most commonly found design, the reason for this is because dragons are immune to magic spells and can't be harmed by them.<ref>The Compendium - page 2.</ref> === Fenghuang === Open-work charms depicting [[fenghuang]] are much less commonly seen than those that depict Chinese dragons. Fenghuang in [[Chinese mythology]] are symbols of "peace" and "joy", as fenghuang are seen as a symbol of [[Yin and Yang|yin]] they tend to have tail feathers in even numbers (as even numbers represent yin while odd numbers represent yang). Open-work charms that display fenghuang also tend to be on the larger side (for example 58 millimeters in diameter) and also being both thick and heavy.<ref name="primaltrek"/> In [[Buddhism]] the fenghuang is considered to be a symbol of goodness because it eats no living thing, for this reason open-work charms depicting fenghuang were commonly worn by Buddhists.{{sfn|Semans|p=6}} === Flowers and vines === Chinese open-work charms that display imagery of flowers and vines usually display [[Peony|peony trees]] blooming, the peony could symbolise various things, one symbolism of the peony flower is that it stands for rebellion and resistance where it is associated with the story of Empress [[Wu Zetian]] drinking at winter time while she was in the Imperial Flower Garden. As she was admiring the snow, the story tells that she was also intrigued by the smell of the winter flowers that were in bloom that day. As the story goes the Emlress wrote a poem and sent it to the Chinese God that was in charge of flowers. In the poem the Empress said that she would come to the garden again after one day and that all the flowers there were to bloom and were not to wait until springtime. The next morning all flowers except for the peony were in bloom, while the peony stubbornly disobeyed the order. Wu Zetian was enraged and allegedly gave the order that all the peonies in [[Chang'an]] were to be banished, while those peony trees that refused her order would br burned to a crisp. Over time the reputation of the flower changed and peonies became a symbol for longevity, everlasting physical beauty, loyalty, and being happy. Peonies could also be used to symbolise wealth as the way they grow resembles [[Cash (Chinese coin)#Stringing of cash coins|strings of cash coins]].<ref name="primaltrek"/> === Humans and fish === [[File:Section 8.7 Open-work charm - Fish - John Ferguson.jpg|thumb|left|An open-work charm depicting a person on the left side and a fish on the right.]] There is an ancient open work-charm which depicts either a man or a woman fishing. The human is on the right side of the charm while the fish on the left. The fish symbolises prosperity because the Mandarin Chinese word for fish (魚, ''yú'') is a visual pun for "abundance" or "well-to-do" (余, ''yú'' or 裕, ''yù''). The fish on this open-work charm also alludes to an allegory of a [[carp]] leaping over the Dragon Gate to become a mythical Chinese dragon (鯉魚跳龍門) which is used to illustrate that persistently investing effort is needed to overcome an obstacle, in this context it alludes to the case of those who wish to move up the ranks as officials in the [[imperial examination system]]. Another possible hidden meaning of this same open-work charm is that the human represented in the coin may in fact be female. The Mandarin Chinese word for "woman" (婦, ''fù'') could be used as a homophonic pun for the Mandarin Chinese word for "wealth" (富, ''fù''). And as the Mandarin Chinese word for "fish" is a pun for "abundance", the hidden or implied meaning of the depicted images on this open-work charm is an abundance of wealth.<ref name="primaltrek"/> === Lions === Open-work charms that depict [[lion]]s often have two lions playing with some form of treasure (雙獅戲寶, ''shuāng shī xì bǎo'') with one lion being above and one lion being below, the treasure they’re playing with could be a [[Cash (Chinese coin)|Chinese cash coin]] which symbolises "wealth". Because the Mandarin Chinese word for "lion" (獅, ''shī'') sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word for "master" or "teacher" (師, ''shī'') which could be seen as a reference to the [[Zhou dynasty]] government title of "senior grand tutor" (太師, ''tà ishī''), which was the highest civil official. For this reason an open-work charm depicting two lions and a cash coin could symbolise the wish for high ranks and wealth to be passed down from one generation to the next.<ref name="primaltrek"/> === Lotus === Open-work charms that feature the design of a lotus<ref>ChinaZeug.de - [http://www.chinazeug.de/c1008.htm Amulett in Durchbruchtechnik - Beidseitig : Vier Lotusblüten] by Dr. Yi and Ralf Thomann. Retrieved: 09 August 2018. (in [[German language|German]])</ref> according to [[Buddhism|Buddhist tradition]] symbolise a detachment from worldly cares due to the manner the flower which is perceived to be beautiful to emerge from the pond's muck. Due to the fact that the [[lotus flower]] has two different names in Mandarin Chinese, namely "蓮花" (''lián huā'') and "荷花" (''hé huā''), the first character of the former can be used as a homophonic pun with the word "continuous" (連, ''lián'') while the latter could be used to represent the word "harmony" (和, ''hé'') creating a visual pun for "continuous harmony" (連和, ''lián hé''). Variants of these lotus charms that depict a lotus pod filled with seeds could also be worn in the hopes that they will improve fertility as the Mandarin Chinese word for "lotus seed" (蓮籽, ''lián zǐ'') could be used as a metaphor for the "continuous birth of children" (連子, ''lián zi'').<ref name="primaltrek"/> === Pavilions or temples === Open-work charms depicting pavilions and temples first started appearing during the [[Song dynasty]], and the majority of these are thought to have been manufactured in the [[Dali City|city of Dali]]. An example of an open-work charm with a pavilion in its design possibly depicts the "[[Temple of Confucius]]", within the pavilion of this charm musician is seen playing the [[guqin]] while outside of the building two men are seen playing [[weiqi]]. Outside of the pavilion [[bamboo]] plants and [[longevity stone]]s could be seen. It is believed that the people in this charm represent [[Confucius]] himself.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://primaltrek.com/blog/2011/05/11/chinese-pavilion-open-work-charm/|title= Chinese Pavilion Open Work Charm.|date=11 May 2011|accessdate=9 August 2017|work= Gary Ashkenazy / גארי אשכנזי (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture)|language=en}}</ref><ref>Kainz, C. Chinesischen Tempelmünzen. Published in 1895. (in [[German language|German]])</ref> === Peacocks === Open-work charms that depict [[peacock]]s are generally believed to have been cast in what today is the province of [[Yunnan]] at the time of the [[Song dynasty]], as peacocks are native to the rainforests of this region many indigenous peoples there (such as the [[Dai people|Dai]]) use them as inspiration for their styles of dance and art. Like with many other open-work charms that depict animals those that depict peacocks display them in pairs, peacocks represent a desire for peace and prosperity and may also be used to represent fertility as the ancient Chinese people believed that a single glance from a peacock could [[Pregnancy|impregnate]] a human woman. Peacocks displayed in pairs on open-work charms symbolise an affectionate couple that fly side-by-side in love with each other.<ref name="primaltrek"/> === People, immortals, and deities === An example of an open-work charm depicting a Chinese immortal and several animals believed to bring "good luck" is one that contains the immortal associated with longevity [[Xiwangmu]] holding a [[Ruyi (scepter)|Ruyi sceptre]] standing besides a deer and a tortoise, both of these are associated with longevity as well with the deer having an extra association with wealth and attaining a high rank because the Mandarin Chinese word for "deer" (鹿, ''lù'') sounds like the Mandarin Chinese term for "the salary of a government official" (祿, ''lù''). Above the tortoise there is an "auspicious cloud" (祥雲) which is located just below the round center hole, clouds on Chinese numismatic charms are associated with good fortune because they’re a [[Homophonic puns in Mandarin Chinese|homophonic pun]] (or rebus) for "luck" (運, ''yùn''). This open-work-charm also features a [[Crane (bird)|crane]] which like the other animals and Xiwangmu is a symbol for longevity.<ref name="primaltrek"/> === Qilin === Chinese open-work charms that depict the [[Qilin]] symbolise a wish for good fortune, longevity, charity, prosperity, and for benevolences to befall the wearer. Qilins are depicted as having a dragon-like head and a deer-like body but with scales instead of fur.{{sfn|Semans|p=7}} === Two people and a fish === There is a rare open-work charm which illustrates two males standing across from each other with a fish facing the right at the bottom of the charm and a battle shield between the tops of the two men at the top. The traditional explanation of the depicted scene and its hidden meaning is that it shows people doing intense labour hoping that it’ll bring them prosperity. An alternative explanation is that this charm actually depicts the [[Chu–Han Contention]] (楚漢相爭), in this interpretation the two men are fighting each other and the stances they take are hostile positions of two soldiers using their fists, while the fish in this interpretation represents the river where the battle occurred.<ref>Toa Senshi V.5, p.97. (in [[Japanese language|Japanese]])</ref><ref name="primaltrek"/> === Young couples falling in love === Some open-work charms (which were usually manufactured in [[Dali City|Dali]], [[Yunnan]]) depict young heterosexual couples displaying affection to each other in a form of courtship, the young female is often seen carrying flowers while the top of these open-work charms features crescent moons and clouds, while the male figure often points at the moon with his left hand, these images form a visualisation of the ancient Chinese saying "to be in front of the flowers and under the moon" (花前月下, ''huā qián yuè xià''). These open-work charms are also a part of the family of [[Chinese marriage charms]].<ref name="primaltrek"/> == Notes == {{Notes}} == References == {{Reflist}} {{Commonscat|Open-work charms}} {{Chinese exonumia}} {{Asian numismatic charms}} [[:Category:Amulets]] [[:Category:Chinese numismatic charms]] [[:Category:Chinese numismatics]] .

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#REDIRECT [[Open-work charm]]

~~Open-work charm.~~ Leftover from the old project.
Open-work charms.
Open-work amulet.
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Chinese open-work charm.
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Chinese open work coins.
镂空钱.
玲珑钱.
鏤空錢.
玲瓏錢.
lòu kōng qián.
líng lóng qián.
Openwork charm.
Openwork charms.
Openwork amulet.
Openwork amulets.
Openwork coin.
Openwork coins.
Chinese openwork charm.
Chinese openwork charms.
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Chinese openwork amulets.
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Chinese openwork coins.

Standard reference template

August 2018.

<ref name="primaltrek">{{cite web|url= |title= .|date=31 March 2013|accessdate= August 2017|work= Gary Ashkenazy / גארי אשכנזי (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture)|language=en}}</ref>

<ref>{{cite web|url= |title= |date=|accessdate= August 2018|work= |language=en}}</ref>

Main sources.

<ref>{{cite web|url= http://primaltrek.com/openwork.html |title= Chinese Open Work Charms - 鏤空錢 - "Hollowed Out" Money.|date=16 November 2016|accessdate=25 April 2018|work= Gary Ashkenazy / גארי אשכנזי (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture)}}</ref><ref>The Language and Iconography of Chinese Charms: Deciphering a Past Belief System (English and Chinese Edition) by Alex Changyu Fang and François Thierry. 1st ed. 2016 Edition. Published by Springer. {{ISBN|978-9811017919}}, {{ISBN|9811017913}}</ref><ref>J. Mevius - Chinese charms and amulets. Publication date: January 1, 1968</ref><ref>Sportstune (Chinese charms) [http://sportstune.com/chinese/charms/8.html Chinese charms, section 8]. 8. OPEN WORK CHARMS. 8.1 Geometric designs. 8.2 Plants and flowers. 8.3 Dragons. 8.4 Dragon and Phoenix. 8.5 Phoenix or birds. 8.6 Deer or other animals. 8.7 Fish. 8.8 Human figures. 8.9 Buildings. Retrieved: 02 May 2018.</ref><ref>LIU Chunsheng, Zhongguo gudai loukong huaqian kianshang ([[Beijing]]: Zuojia chubanshe, 2005) {{ISBN|7-5063-3237-X}} // 刘春声著：《中国古代镂空花钱鉴赏》，北京：作家出版社，2005年。(in [[Mandarin Chinese]] using [[Simplified Chinese characters]]).</ref>

Similar project

User:Donald Trung/Yinyang charms (陰陽錢) redirects. Done.

User:Donald Trung/Open-work charms/Themes and symbolism of Open-work charms. Done.