{"product_id":"cast-chinese-amulets-9781800316621","title":"Cast Chinese Amulets","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor over 2,000 years, the Chinese have been producing amulets in the shape of flat metal objects, usually cast in brass or bronze, some shaped like the traditional square-holed cash coins, others in a variety of fancy shapes, promising good luck in various fields, the turning away of evil influences, or conveying religious sentiments. Some have inscriptions taken from the Classics of 500 BC.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePreviously, catalogues of these amulets were arranged in various different ways - by shape, size, meaning, Emperor's name, or a common feature. However, this made it difficult to locate a particular piece - it would not be immediately clear to a non-expert whether a piece was \"Lucky\", \"Religious\", \"Family\" or \"Coin\".\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis catalogue is designed for ease of identification. It is divided into four sections - Openwork, Pictorial, Zodiac, and Inscriptions. Preceding the detailed catalogue for each section is a Finding Guide which is arranged by salient features, or by the first character of the inscription. There is also a section which lists inscriptions that might not be clear as they are in non-standard scripts or lay-outs. In the catalogue there is a brief description of the piece, the inscription (if any) in Chinese characters and Pinyin, and a translation, explanation, and source.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver 5,000 amulets are included in the catalogue. Together they provide a fascinating insight into traditional Chinese beliefs and aspirations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"New Generation Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50442419503378,"sku":"9781800316621","price":48.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_d4e54a6e-0504-4948-a0f5-8457481d0dcd.jpg?v=1729671013","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/cast-chinese-amulets-9781800316621","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}