"Xiwang Shanggong" of Ming
Couch and silver cover with green enamel ground Inlaid with precious stones
Yamantaka Mandala with imperial portraits
Gilt-copper belt ornament inlaid with rubies, worn by the Qing emperor |
Ming Dynasty "Xiwang Shanggong" literally means that it is the reward bestowed on meritorious generals and officials by the Great King of the West. In order to reward generals and officials, Zhang Xianzhong (1606 -1646), the leader of an uprising peasant army during the late Ming Dynasty, cast many coins in gold, silver and copper immediately after his styling himself the Great King of the West. All of these coins were of good quality with exquisite craftsmanship. However, few survived. This is the only "Xiwang Shanggong" coin found so far. |
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