WESTERN LIAO: AE charm (35.35g), CCH—, Zeno-117386, twelve coarsely engraved animals representing the Chinese zodiac (with the last two, dog and pig, closer to the center as the engraver ran out of space), around the central round hole within a small square box, same on both sides, but quite differently engraved, unusually thick flan (5mm), dark brown patina, VF, RRR. 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. This is the third example of this type to appear in our auction and almost twice as heavy as the previous two.
