Watch List notes:

China: Qing Dynasty (1644–1911 CE), hanging plaque in the shape of lingzhi or reishi mushroom, obverse inscribed four characters in regular script reading 'Jin ma feng sheng', reverse inscribed four Manchurian transliterations of the same Chinese characters, 67.9x2.3mm, 21.2g, in excellent condition and scarce. Note: Manchurian characters are rare on plaque-shaped charms. It is even rarer to find mutual translations between Chinese and Manchurian on the same plaque. This plaque was collected by Dr Burger in the north-eastern city of Shenyang, China, the family seat of the Qing emperors. Its function remains unknown. Judging by the inscriptions, it may have to do with the military and cavalry in particular. Two or three other specimens have been seen so far, all showing strong signs of wear and damage, including the one in the collection of Hirao Sanpei. Judging from the above, this plaque is most likely to have been used as a token of identity or authority. The current specimen is the best in quality and condition. It is the same original piece which is used in Dr Burger's article on Chinese charms entitled Coins Which are Not Money: Cultural Functions and Symbolism in Money in Asia (1200–1900): Small Currencies in Social and Political Contexts edited by Jane Kate Leonard and Ulrich Theobald, Brill 2022..

Estimate: 5000 - 9000