Money cat

This protective amulet is in the shape of a cat. It is made from paper, velvet, metal, coins and threads. The coins decorating it are from the Kang His period (1662–1722) in the Ch’ing Dynasty of China. The money cat is a symbol of prosperity in China and these charms often decorated homes.

According to the museum’s records, this money cat was taken ‘from the head of a lady’s bed, at the taking of Canton’. This probably took place during one of the Opium Wars.

Visual description: A flat arrangement of materials in the shape of a cat with its tail raised. Coins cover the body and tail, while the face is made out of a range of different materials.