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Money Tree

2nd century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This object represents a type of funerary good called a “money tree” (qian shu) or “money-shaking tree” (yao qian shu). In the extant texts, the term “money tree” first appeared in the eighth century A.D. It is, however, unclear if there was any connection between early discoveries and later records. Based on about two hundred examples known to us, the use of money trees in Han China was prevalent in the southwest and was popular from the first to third century A.D.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 东汉 青铜摇钱树
  • Title: Money Tree
  • Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)
  • Date: 2nd century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Overall H. 59 13/16 in. (152 cm)
    Base (base): H. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm); W. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); L. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Guanghan Municipal Institute of Cultural Relics
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art