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:
     
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  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?
     
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  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?
     
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  7. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

  8. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Very good! Thank you, 2many...
     
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  9. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Thanks for comment
     
  10. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Appreciate the interesting comment. Thank you
     
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  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.
     
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  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?:)
     
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  18. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    I appreciate the comment and you taking a look.:) Thank you
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2022
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  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.

     
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