Circular plaque with four bats surrounding a coin

Place of OriginChina

Dateapprox. 1800-1900

DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)

MaterialsNephrite

DimensionsH. 1/8 in x Diam. 2 1/16 in, H. 0.3 cm x Diam. 5.2 cm

Credit LineGift of R.W. Winskill in Memory of Lionel H. Pries

Object numberB86J15

DepartmentChinese Art

ClassificationsJade And Stones

On View

Not on view

More Information

In China bats are foremost among auspicious decorative motifs based on visual puns because "bat" (fu) sounds like both "blessings" (fu) and "riches" (fu). In this nephrite pendant four bats surround a coin (qian), the word for which sounds like "before" (qian).

In this nephrite pendant, four bats surround a coin (qian), the word for which sounds like "before" (qian).

HIDDEN MEANING: May you have blessings before your eyes (fuzai yanqian)!