Featured Chinese medallion- thoughts?

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

 

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.

 

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

 

Maybe the dangle from a large wind chime?

 

A seal/stamp is my thinking...

 

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?

 

The knob in the center was probably for attachment of a decorative cord handle, as was used on Chinese bronze mirrors.

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/antique-chinese-bronze-mirror-184-c-7ad49d09bc


http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions...ese-ceramics-works-of-art-n09192/lot.128.html

 

Very good! Thank you, 2many...

 

Thanks for comment

 

Appreciate the interesting comment. Thank you

 

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!)

 

Many thanks for the reply and links. I also thinking it was for a cord/string. Was reading about Chinese bronze mirrors before.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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?

 

I appreciate the comment and you taking a look. Thank you

 

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.

 

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