Currently not on view
Fertility talisman,
19th century
Korean
Joseon dynasty, 1392–1910
2005-9
This amuletic coin pendant would probably have been owned by a couple who would have received it as a fortune cast on the occasion of their betrothal. The central coin of this group has landscape scenes with auspicious animals, yin-yang symbols, and Chinese characters on both sides. The characters on one side read "longevity," "prosperity," "many," and "men," while those on the other side read "you," "me," "thousand," and "years." In other words, the couple will enjoy many years together, be prosperous, and produce many sons. The additional coins display similar characters of felicitous meaning, as well as constellations and figures offering ritual vessels. Sometimes coins such as these were placed in a wooden container in the shape of a tortoise, shaken, and then poured out. How the coins fell could then be used to predict one's fortune. Pendants such as this one were popular in the Choson dynasty (1392-1910).
Information
Title
Fertility talisman
Dates
19th century
Medium
Metal with traces of red pigment
Dimensions
h. 18.2 cm., w. 13.0 cm., d. 2.2 cm. (7 3/16 x 5 1/8 x 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Winifred Hall, in memory of Arthur McTaggart
Object Number
2005-9
Place Made
Asia, Korea
Culture
Period
Type
Subject
–2005 Winifred Hall (Princeton, NJ), by gift to the Princeton University Art Museum, 2005.
