coin sword

Coin sword constructed from a central iron rod with a number of cast brass coins threaded onto it to form the hilt. Sword guard and blade made up from rows of coins threaded through with alternating yellow and red string. Floral ornament made from coins with individual coins suspended from it, tied to sword with dark green ribbon. Section of blade detached but present. The purpose of a coin sword is to drive away evil spirits. The coin swords were believed to be most powerful when all coins had the same inscription. Most coins used in this sword are from the reign of the Qianlong emperor (1736-95), who ruled for a full sixty year cycle according to the Chinese calendar, which is a very auspicious number.

A coin sword was often found hanging on the wall or above the bed to drive away evil spirits.

fighting

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
27.9.56/1
Date
18th century
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
broken part: 118 mm x 23 mm x 12 mm; overall: .85 kg; overall: 632 mm x 94 mm x 24 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
iron; metal; plant material
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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