China - Early Imperial. WESTERN LIAO: AE charm (32.94g), Khitan pendant charm or amulet with dragon // archer on horseback, small animal below, with loop for hanging, VF. The dynasty, also known as Qara Khitay state, was founded by Yelü Dashi, a member of the Liao royal family, who led the remnants of the Liao Dynasty to Central Asia after fleeing from the Jurchen conquest of their homeland in North and Northeast of modern day China. The empire was usurped by the Naimans under Küchlük in 1211. The empire was finally destroyed by the Mongol Empire in 1218.
