Hou Sheng Xiang "Tea Money" Brick of 42 Ounces ND (from 1897-1917) UNC (Damaged, Repaired), Opitz-pg. 339 (this piece illustrated). 240x186x22mm. 1187.4gm. Obverse divided into three panels, top containing Han Zhen Hou Sheng Xiang Jian Zhi (Made by Hou Sheng Xiang from Han Town); steam locomotive flanked by tree to right and an orb on a cloud to left; below, ХАУ СИНЬ ЦЗЯНЬ ВЬ ХАНЬКОУ КНТА? (Hau Xin Jian in Hankou, China) / Perforated into 16 panels, each with motif of an infinite knot (a Buddhist symbol of good fortune and prosperity) containing the number 88 (8 being the most auspicious Chinese number, and 88 bearing an affinity to Shuang-xi "double-joy"). A captivating obverse design, the steam locomotive motif likely a reference to the Peking-Hankou Railway, built between 1897 and 1906. A small piece along the top appears to have broken off and been reattached. The reverse displays a small inventory sticker from the Opitz Collection. Ex. Charles J. Opitz Collection (Heritage Auction #3077, December 2019, Lot 38098)

HID09801242017

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