Featured Chinese medallion- thoughts?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Boland, Jun 3, 2022.

  1. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    5C2CF0A8-437C-4114-859C-F4F8E2FD3946.jpeg 5489D3DB-8B92-449B-B791-6FECA9FEB4AB.jpeg 2F290BDA-780F-40DE-B53E-7A0C849DF681.jpeg Hi all,I got this medallion few years ago. It’s cast iron (a pity not bronze) and I always assumed a not very old reproduction (looking at the minimal wear) But still a cool thing. I tried to translate the writing but not successfully.It’s 7.5cm across,1cm thick and weighs 250grams. Any thoughts/comments as to possible age and is it Chinese?Thank you all
     
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2022
  2. bercrystal

    bercrystal Well-Known Member

    With that type of shank & its placement in the center, it kind of looks like a button. However, 250 grams would be almost 9 ounces which would be a little heavy for a button. :confused::confused::confused:
     
    Boland and Bakersgma like this.
  3. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Thanks for reply. I don’t think a button. Was thinking the center is so that it can be hanged on a string/twine or something. The front part reminds me of a smaller version of an antique Chinese bronze mirror. But I was thinking its a repro of a medallion similar to this one (but obviously not the same characters and pattern)
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/2524769467...55-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050
     
  4. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Maybe the dangle from a large wind chime?
     
    Boland and bercrystal like this.
  5. kyratango

    kyratango Bug jewellery addiction!

    A seal/stamp is my thinking...
     
  6. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Are those characters reversed, as they would be in a seal or stamp?
    Also, if suspended from a string does it hang with the face perpendicular to the string or does it hang lopsided?
     
    Boland and bercrystal like this.
  7. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

  8. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Very good! Thank you, 2many...
     
    bercrystal and Boland like this.
  9. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Thanks for comment
     
  10. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Appreciate the interesting comment. Thank you
     
    kyratango likes this.
  11. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Thanks for commenting. When on a string it can hang flat and ‘level’ against my chest like a medal. Honestly you I didn’t think the characters were reversed (but what do I know!)
     
  12. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

  13. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    If they were reversed, it may have been used as a seal or stamp, with ink for paper or fabric, or on poured wax. It's just a thought.
     
    kyratango and Boland like this.
  14. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Yes,I get that.. Was a good thought/comment
     
  15. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Does anyone perhaps have any idea what the letters say/mean? Was just thinking maybe it’s date or event specific. Thanks
     
  16. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    @Any Jewelry
    I was wondering do you perhaps have any thoughts on this item please? What is it? Many thanks
     
  17. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    My first thought was also a ritual mirror, but it would have one smooth side.

    I don't know if @Asian Fever or @JayBee are around?:)
     
    Boland likes this.
  18. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    I appreciate the comment and you taking a look.:) Thank you
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2022
    Any Jewelry and komokwa like this.
  19. JayBee

    JayBee Well-Known Member

    Been around a bit and just realized that @ before someone's name is a shout-out for help (G!, am I thick or what!?) But I never get any emails or messages re these... How does it work? I just stumbled upon this thread by chance.

    Anyway, for what worth it, these seems to be not Chinese but Japanese.

    The characters are:

    古代瓦 - "old tile,"

    and below:

    南都七大寺 which stands for:

    Nanto Shichi Daiji, literally "the seven great temples of the southern capital", is a historical common name generally referring to the powerful and influential seven Buddhist temples located in Nara.

    Old Chinese and Japanese ceramic tile ends were/are (they are still making them) decorated.

    This may be a commemorative object, but I'm not sure, because they never have that raised center part that hole. Maybe that serves a purpose... Hanging something from it?

    @2manybooks may have it right; being a commemorative object, a silk / cotton rope would make sense as a way to hold it and avoid having sweat turn into rust with repeated handling.

    Screenshot_20220702-181502.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2022
  20. JayBee

    JayBee Well-Known Member

    No, they are not reversed or upside down. The orientation is right and not a seal for printing.

     
    LauraGarnet02 and bercrystal like this.
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Chinese medallion-
Forum Title Date
Antique Discussion Help ID chinese metal blocks? Oct 21, 2024
Antique Discussion CHINESE PORCELAIN FOOT BATH Oct 20, 2024
Antique Discussion Anyone read Chinese? Oct 13, 2024
Antique Discussion I have a clamp on pincushion with Japanese or Chinese writing. Oct 4, 2024
Antique Discussion Chinese wood carving panel. Vintage? Antique? Sep 23, 2024

Share This Page