QING: AE charm (8.79g), 28mm, Daoist "Thunderbolt Command" charm, léi tíng hào lìng in ancient seal script // Daoist magic writing, graded 82 (07) by GBCA Grading Company, minor natural casting defects, VF. At least from the time of the Han Dynasty, people wore charms or amulets on their waist or around their necks for protection. These talismans often carried an inscription requesting a Daoist deified person, such as the "God of Thunder" or Lao Zi (also known as Lao Tzu and considered the author of the classic Taoist text Dao De Jing to "expel" evil influences and "kill" demons, and also to "send down" good fortune and happiness. Because these inscriptions frequently requested the God of Thunder (Lei Gong or Lei Shen) to use thunderbolts to kill the bogies or evil spirits, these amulets are often referred to as "Lei Ting" charms.

Estimate: USD 300 - 500