Asian Art Forums - Detail List

Asian Art Forums

Group: Message Board

Re: rare asian artifact that i need info on.

Posted By: Bill H
Posted Date: Apr 22, 2011 (01:35 PM)

Message
I can't speak to whether this item is rare or old, but the writing that is legible to me on the middle two bottles in the second picture suggest this is supposed to be a Daoist alchemists kit.

The second bottle on the left appears to be labeled 'Sha Le Fan', which in the context of alchemy might be read as 'Cinnabar Grains of Happiness for Every Occasion'.

The second bottle on the right is labeled 'Hong Ling Dan', which translates to 'The Elixir of Immortality'.

The other bottles have obscure or irregular characters that I've been unable to identify on short notice, but what they all really need is warning labels for anyone tempted to take a taste. All such Daoist immortality potions were based on cinnabar, an ore of mercury, and are highly toxic.

In sum, if you want some sound medical advice, you should take this object and its alleged contents 'with a grain of salt'.

Good luck,

Bill H.

Post a Response

Responses:

Re: rare asian artifact that i need info on. - mikes_lemon - Apr 23, 2011 (02:11 AM)