Later Zhou Dynasty (951-960) Zhou Yuan Tong Bao Unlike other Chinese cash coins, these ones have a very unique story behind them. Not only were they circulated for commerce, there were perhaps the first and only coin in China to be used as amulets and charms. This was because during the reign of the Emperor Shizong, he ordered the melting of Buddhist statues and artifacts left behind from the previous largely Buddhist Tang, Sui Dynasties for their bronze due to severe shortage of the material. When rebuked, the Emperor wisely commented that the universal Buddha should not have been limited to the statues and temples nor would have minded if the melting of religious artifacts if it helped the nation. As a result, many people hoarded these coins as they believed the spiritual essence and energy from the holy objects were retained before they were recast into these coins. This tradition lasted for generations even after the fall of the dynasty and the 周元通寶inscription became a common motif for later charms and amulets as well.
Fantastic coins and story. I now have to have one or two for myself. I'm a big fan of Buddha as a historical figure of great wisdom and peace. I've been watching the Buddha series on Netflix. Have you seen it? It is a Indian series of 55 episodes. I'm in episode 30 so far, and he has left his kingdom and is now seeking enlightenment with a guru. While the series does take some liberties for dramatic effect, it does follow his life rather faithfully.
Thank you.. I am a Buddhist myself though I must admit that I did not get to watch the series you mentioned as I can't watch Netflix outside of the US. I used to have an account until I cancelled my subscription because of that reason. You should read the book "Cutting through spiritual materialism" by Chogyam Trungpa. The Emperor Shi Zong was not anti-Buddhist but The same principle applied here behind the Emperor's action resonates very closely with the content of the book..
i was given this years ago by a Chinese dealer i bought stuff from regularly.. are you familiar with it? when i hear or see the word charm, i think of this coin.
Yes.. this is a Song Dynasty temple coin. The Chinese characters are Chun Hua Tong Bao which is a Song Dynasty issue. But the back shows 2 Buddhist icons marking it as an amulet. The fabric conforms to a Song Dynasty style.
ah, ok, thank you very much. i thought it was a kool piece and always, 1st and foremost a gift, regardless.
I am a budding Buddhist (for the last 25 yrs) Great write up, and very interesting history. I do not have any of these, very cool charm/coin.
Not to confuse the issue but to clarify @Loong Siew is talking about coins also used as charms, not just charms themselves. There is a long tradition of charms in China going back to the Han Dynasty. Anyone serious about the series should get Classic Chinese Charms, two huge volumes listing over 5,000 types. Scott Semans has them here: http://coincoin.com/bkXC.htm#CHARMS
a true Buddhist gives up their worldly possessions.. i will take your coins for you, since i no longer practice this philosophy
