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Money Tree

2nd century

Not on view

This object represents a type of funerary good called a “money tree” (qian shu) or “money-shaking tree” (yao qian shu). In the extant texts, the term “money tree” first appeared in the eighth century A.D. It is, however, unclear if there was any connection between early discoveries and later records. Based on about two hundred examples known to us, the use of money trees in Han China was prevalent in the southwest and was popular from the first to third century A.D.

#218. Money tree

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Money Tree, Bronze, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

东汉青铜摇钱树

Title: Money Tree

Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Date: 2nd century

Culture: China

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: Overall H. 59 13/16 in. (152 cm)
Base (base): H. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm); W. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); L. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Lent by Guanghan Municipal Institute of Cultural Relics

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