The costume of China / illustrated by sixty engravings: with explanations in English and French. By George Henry Mason.

  • Mason, George, 1735-1806.
Date:
1800
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The costume of China / illustrated by sixty engravings: with explanations in English and French. By George Henry Mason. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    41/370
    A MONEY-CHANGER. H e is examining a dollar, for which he gives a number of the pieces of copper money which are placed before him, according to the current exchange. This coin is round, fomewhat larger and thinner than the Englifh farthing, having a fquare hole in the middle ; and is marked with the dynady in which it was druck : it is in fad; the only currency, and is ufed feparately for fmall change, or drung, as here reprefented, by hundreds, fifties, &c. forming what they call “ candareens” and “ maces,” fums of nominal value. The indrument in his right hand is employed to cut the dollar, fhould he doubt its worth. The Chinefe money is never damped with the head of the prince, becaufe they deem it difre- fpedful to the majedy of the emperor, that his image fhould be perpe¬ tually pading through the hands of dealers, and the dregs of the people.