China - Charms. CHINA: AE charm (26.35g), 48mm, Five Poisonous Creatures charm, Liu Hai or Zhong Kui standing right, auspicious spider above, three-legged toad below, snake, lizard, and tiger // dragon & phoenix, Fine. 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. This example was likely cast in the Qing Dynasty.
