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1985.51.1066

Neck amulet. A bronze plaque with a number of pendant chains of coins, beads, stitched animals and other shapes all stitched to silk. [SM 25/05/2011]

1985.51.1066

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Collection type
Object
Description
Neck amulet. A bronze plaque with a number of pendant chains of coins, beads, stitched animals and other shapes all stitched to silk. [SM 25/05/2011]
Long description
Neck amulet. A bronze plaque with a number of pendant chains of coins, beads, stitched animals and other shapes all stitched to silk. One side of the plaque has inscriptions cast into it. The other side has scrolling designs and two figures in relief. The plaque shows traces of pigment. Attached to the plaque with copper alloy wire suspension loops are a number of silk and silk brocade tassels/pendents. Several have chains of coins stitched to them. Others have stuffed and embroidered shapes, such as triangles, birds and flowers and some are interspaced with small glass beads. The embroidery and fabrics are very colourful. [SM 25/05/2011]
Person
Field collector Edward Lovett
PRM source Wellcome Institute
PRM source Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1933
Date collected
By 1933
Acquisition information
Transferred: 1985
Materials and processes
Material Bronze Metal, Material Metal Wire, Material Silk Textile Animal, Material Ribbon Textile, Material Glass, Material Paper Plant, Material Pigment, Process Cast, Process Stamped, Process Stitched, Process Bent, Process Strung, Process Tied
Dimensions
Width: max 270 mm, Length: max 360 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1985.51.1066 Other numbers: Z F A 162689 AM CHIN B C UL/ 5 R 1309/ 4 lot 216
Research and responses

This amulet was studied by Joe Cribb, former Keeper of the Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum, during a research visit in November 2024. He commented that the coins are all Korean, not Chinese as previously documented. The geographical provenance has been changed from China to Korea accordingly. The inscription on the central plaque reads "may you have many sons" and is therefore possibly associated with marriage and childbirth.

Search terms: Religion, Currency, Marriage, Children and Childcare, Amulet, Coin

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