Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
August 2017 Hong Kong Auction - Sess. A-E 14-16 Aug 2017
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State of Qi. Six Character Knife Money, Warring States Period (ca. 400-220 B.C.). Tian Fazhang, King Xiang of Qi (283-265 B.C).
49.36 gms. H-4.4O; Jen-unlisted; FD-350; cf.Shanghai Museum-962/965; cf.China Numismatic Museum-62; cf.Liu Feiyan/Liu Wei-I-180; cf.History of Chinese Currency-pg.4 #1. "Qi Jian Zao Bang Chang Fa Hua" (Qi establish make state long legal money); Reverse: "Hua". The translation here is a more literal translation. Founded in the 11th century B.C. Qi was the last major state to be annexed during the unification of China by Qin. When King Min, Tian Fazhang's father, ascended the throne in 300 B.C. Qi was considered one of the most powerful countries in China if not the most powerful, but due to his incompetence as a ruler he managed to anger even his most trusted Generals. The capital city of Linzi was sacked in 284 B.C. by the Yan General Yue Yi and King Min was captured and executed. For fear of his life Tian Fazhang went into hiding and became a servant in the home of the Grand Astrologer Ji where he met and fell in love with his daughter who would later become Queen Junwang and mother of his successor. Loyal officers of Qi eventually found Fazhang and helped him to reclaim the throne. He died in 265 B.C. after 19 year of reign. His son Tian Jian, King Jian, reigned for 44 years and was the last ruler of Qi before the Qin conquered and unified all of China. VERY RARE, very interesting and historically significant. Moderate earthen deposits somewhat obscuring the characters on the obverse, but still legible. Attractive dark patina throughout. VERY FINE.
Estimate: $70000.00- $100000.00
49.36 gms. H-4.4O; Jen-unlisted; FD-350; cf.Shanghai Museum-962/965; cf.China Numismatic Museum-62; cf.Liu Feiyan/Liu Wei-I-180; cf.History of Chinese Currency-pg.4 #1. "Qi Jian Zao Bang Chang Fa Hua" (Qi establish make state long legal money); Reverse: "Hua". The translation here is a more literal translation. Founded in the 11th century B.C. Qi was the last major state to be annexed during the unification of China by Qin. When King Min, Tian Fazhang's father, ascended the throne in 300 B.C. Qi was considered one of the most powerful countries in China if not the most powerful, but due to his incompetence as a ruler he managed to anger even his most trusted Generals. The capital city of Linzi was sacked in 284 B.C. by the Yan General Yue Yi and King Min was captured and executed. For fear of his life Tian Fazhang went into hiding and became a servant in the home of the Grand Astrologer Ji where he met and fell in love with his daughter who would later become Queen Junwang and mother of his successor. Loyal officers of Qi eventually found Fazhang and helped him to reclaim the throne. He died in 265 B.C. after 19 year of reign. His son Tian Jian, King Jian, reigned for 44 years and was the last ruler of Qi before the Qin conquered and unified all of China. VERY RARE, very interesting and historically significant. Moderate earthen deposits somewhat obscuring the characters on the obverse, but still legible. Attractive dark patina throughout. VERY FINE.
Estimate: $70000.00- $100000.00