Korea Charm, Qilin - 1850 / 1910

This Korean amulet is dated between 1850 and 1910. It features on the obverse a representation of the Qilin. The reverse bears the inscription ? ? ? ? surrounding the symbol of Yin and Yang.

These objects, sitting at the boundary between coin and talisman, were worn or kept as protection against evil spirits and to attract prosperity. The Qilin, a fabulous creature from Chinese mythology, is associated with benevolence, wisdom, and the advent of prosperous times. These amulets circulated widely among the population, often produced by hand or in small runs by local workshops, outside of official monetary mintings.

The period from 1850 to 1910 corresponds to an era of major political upheaval in Korea, marked by the end of the Joseon kingdom and the gradual annexation of the country by Japan in 1910. In this context of instability, these protective objects held a heightened symbolic importance among the civilian population.