Chinese Fan Medal, Eight Immortals, Wat Chulamanee, B.E. 2542

B.E. 2542

The Chinese fan-shaped medal of the Eight Immortals, Wat Chulamanee, B.E. 2542 (1999). The obverse bears Chinese immortals within a fan-shaped frame; the reverse is inscribed with the names of the Four Heavenly Kings in Chinese characters together with the pa kua (eight trigrams). As far as the images in this record show, it was made in enamelled silver, silver, nawaloha and sam kasat.

The Chinese fan medal of the Eight Immortals of Wat Chulamanee was made in B.E. 2542 (1999). The medal takes the form of a Chinese fan, bordered all around with the Chinese key-fret motif, with an integral suspension loop.

The obverse bears figures of Chinese immortals in high relief, filling the whole field of the medal.

The Reverse — the Four Heavenly Kings

The reverse bears a yantra combined with sacred letters. At the top is a circular pa kua (eight trigrams) with the yin-yang symbol at its centre; below it a large talismanic glyph, with columns of Chinese characters running vertically on both left and right, inscribed with the names of the Four Heavenly Kings, the guardians of the four directions:

東方持國天王 — Dhataraṭṭha, guardian of the East
南方增長天王 — Virūḷhaka, guardian of the South
西方廣目天王 — Virūpakkha, guardian of the West
北方多聞天王 — Vessavaṇa (Tao Wessuwan / Kubera), guardian of the North

Alongside these appear auspicious Chinese phrases: 逢凶化吉 (“may misfortune be turned to good fortune”) and 天下太平 (“peace throughout the world”).

Photographs of the various materials

Enamelled silver

Silver

Nawaloha

Sam Kasat (three-metal)

Note

Details of the consecration rite, the numbers produced, and the full range of materials for this edition await confirmation from the temple. The account above records only what the images and the inscriptions on the medal itself show.

Note: this account is compiled to document the amulets of Wat Chulamanee and is not intended for any purpose of trade.