6 replies to this topic

[wushi]

Hello,

I am really hoping that someone can translate the Chinese hanzi on this object. I am hoping for a translation of this from a Martial Arts, Feng Shui or Qigong perspective. Can anybody help?

[ghostexorcist]

Hello,

The characters for this are 獨占鳌頭. This dictionary mentions that it is an idiom known as "Monopolize the turtle head," which is a reference to winning the imperial exams. One who wins the exam gets to ascend the stairs to the palace. I believe the "turtle head" refers to this turtle that is located at the top of the stairs of the Hall of Supreme Harmony (where the emperor's throne is located):

Edited by ghostexorcist, 23 May 2012 - 12:39 AM.

[wushi]

Thank you. So what is the signifigance of the crane and ore to the person who holds this object?

Edited by wushi, 23 May 2012 - 02:50 AM.

[ghostexorcist]

Cranes are usually symbols of status and longevity, so the crane here is probably meant to represent the scholar with aspirations to win the exams. I guess the medallion is a reminder of perseverance that would be given to such an individual. I've honestly never seen anything like it before.

[wushi]

Thank you! I have reason to believe that this medal may be somewhat rare!

Edited by wushi, 23 May 2012 - 11:21 PM.

[wushi]

This is interesting. To think that my student who picked this up at a market in China may have actually stumbled upon something linked to the Imperial examinations is exciting and intriguing!

The object appears to be made out of silver or a steel make, reasonably heavy for it's size and somewhat aged.

Love to know more about it?

[ghostexorcist]

Sure, I'd like to know more. I'm not sure if it is a super rare object, though. Instead of being tarnishing, the black substance could be some kind of black washing (i.e., to bring out the details more). The craftsmanship is not of a particularly high quality either. I would expect something to be given to an exam hopeful to be of a higher quality. For instance, here is a gift that was given to one such person in the 18th century. It is made from white jade and zitan wood:



One thing you have to remember is that the exams continued, at least in China, until the early to mid-20th century (it eventually started up in Taiwan and continues today). So even if it was given to a hopeful, it might not be that old. Another thing that tells me that it might not be rare is the fact that it was obviously created in a mold. This means that many of these had to have been made at one time. An artisan is not going to make a mold for something this tiny and only make one. I see that it has a hole on the top, almost like it was meant to be hung from a rope. It’s even possible that this doesn’t have any direct connection to the exams at all. It could just be a wall decoration given to students. It could just be a reminder to students to study hard like those wishing to pass the civil exams.

I think the major question is where exactly did your student purchased it? A high tourist traffic area perhaps? Another important one is how much did they pay for it?