Zhao Gongming

     Zhao Gongming was said to be a general of the Shang and Zhou time and sanctified as a god for "bringing in wealth and promoting the market." a well-known God of Wealth (Militarv God of Wealth) worshipped by people. This typical picture of him portravs him as riding on a black tiger and holding an iron staff in one hand and a gold ingot in the other. In front of him is a tripod filled with gold. silver and other valuables. Two immortal boys stand on either side. one carrying a golden wheel and the other a good-wish bar. which stand for evoking blessing, eliminating disaster and bringing in wealth. Zhao Gongming, the God of Wealth. Was worshipped by businessmen as their protective god.

Money Orders from Huairou County

     Money orders issued by private money shops began to circulate atthe end of the Qing period. This is a genuine money order issued by a money shop on the northern side of East Street in Huairou, Hebei, at the end of the Qing dynasty and measures 17.5 by 8 centimetres. In the centre of the money order are words for "Payable to ... name of shop ... year, month and day." The inner ring is carved with the classic essay "Note on the Pavilion of Favourable Rain" of 384 words. In the outer ring are pictures of "The First Scholar Offers Sacrifices to the Pagoda" (From The Story of the White Snake), the Eight Immortals and the Gods of Peace and Harmony. The carving of the plate is exquisite to prevent counterfeiting. Around the design is a string of cash, which was the shop sign of money shops in the past.