Lot 4435

Description

China, Chou Dynasty early period, (1000-500 B.C.), bronze fish money, uncertain era, shape similar to knife money but a fish, probably used in tombs, 'Yu' Fish series, some with detailed rib type in copper, odd shaped medium of exchange, mostly used in burial ceremonies in China, fish thrown into water to buy water for burial of the dead, (3.95, 9.35, 14.65, 15.12, 20.04, 25.26 g), length 60, 68, 83, 86, 98 and 108mms, (cf.Coole 6920-6934, Vol.5 p.559-563, Not in Sch). Green and dirt hoard patination, otherwise fine - very fine and rare. (6)

Ex Patrick J. O'Rourke Collection and previously from Noble
Numismatics Sale 58 (lot 5301) for illustrated example, others from Tony Lee, Hong Kong, September 1993 and the 14.65 g example from Monetarium Singapore Auction 5, April 2010 (lot 85).