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Longevity Spirit Money, from Taiwan (2 prints)

Taiwanese

Artwork Details

Longevity Spirit Money, from Taiwan (2 prints)
20th century
Taiwanese
red ink on paper
12 1/2 in. x 8 1/4 in. ( 31.7 cm x 21 cm )
Gift of Ellen and Richard Laing
2006/2.41.2B

Description

Subject Matter:

This is a block print with red ink. The large Chinese character is "longevity" and the surrounding smaller charactesr translate to "happiness," "blessing," and "wealth." It it a piece of spirit money, which is a kind of imitation money. Spirit money, also known as joss money or heaven money, is typically burned as an offering when worshipping to gods, ghosts, or ancestors. 

Physical Description:

Block print with red ink and white space. There is a floral border and in the center of it is one large Chinese character and other smaller characters around it. Two coins are on each side of the large center Chinese character. 

Usage Rights:

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