CHINA: AE charm (17.39g), CCH-1797, 41mm, "Five Poisonous Creatures" charm, Liu Hai or Zhong Kui standing right, auspicious spider at left with clouds, three-legged toad upper left // tiger, snake, spider, centipede and lizard around central hole, rim nick, VF. One of the most dangerous and inauspicious days of the year in ancient China was the 5th day of the 5th month, according to the lunar calendar. This day marked the beginning of summer which by midseason meant dangerous animals and insects, the spread of infectious diseases, and the appearance of evil spirits. Charms of these types were often hung in Chinese homes to protect the family from evil spirits and poisonous animals associated with this unlucky day. Likely cast in the late Qing dynasty.
Estimate: $100 - $150