Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
September 2021 Hong Kong Auction 2-7 Oct 2021
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CHINA. Tea Money Brick, ND (ca. 1975-85). Grade: EXTREMELY FINE.
Mitch-4144, Opitz-pg. 339 (second piece illustrated). Dimensions: 230x185x22 mm, 1110 gms. China National Tea Corporation Tea Money Brick. The front is divided into 3 panels, 6 stars in the upper panel; the center exhibiting a gate with a star in the upper arch; and the bottom panel reading: "Zhongguo Chaye Gongsi" (China National Tea Corporation) in line one, and "Zhaoliqiao Zhuancha Chang Zhizao" (Made by the Zhaoliqiao Brick Tea Factory) in line two. The reverse is perforated into 16 panels, each decorated identically with a motif similar in outline to an 'endless knot', and with a stylized "88" in the center. Small indentation is noted at the reverse top center.
Mitch-4144, Opitz-pg. 339 (second piece illustrated). Dimensions: 230x185x22 mm, 1110 gms. China National Tea Corporation Tea Money Brick. The front is divided into 3 panels, 6 stars in the upper panel; the center exhibiting a gate with a star in the upper arch; and the bottom panel reading: "Zhongguo Chaye Gongsi" (China National Tea Corporation) in line one, and "Zhaoliqiao Zhuancha Chang Zhizao" (Made by the Zhaoliqiao Brick Tea Factory) in line two. The reverse is perforated into 16 panels, each decorated identically with a motif similar in outline to an 'endless knot', and with a stylized "88" in the center. Small indentation is noted at the reverse top center.
Originally, tea bricks were used as a form of currency throughout China, Tibet, Mongolia, and Central Asia. They were sometimes preferable to metallic currency due to their ready use as food and perceived medicinal benefits when brewed. Tea bricks were reportedly still being used up until the mid-20th Century in some areas. The current lot is a modern recreation by the People's Republic, made to sell as a novelty item and for use as tea.
Estimate: $200 - $300