Chinese ingots were widely used as forms of currency in the olden days of China. These ingots are also more popularly known as sycee, or boats. A Chinese ingot signifies a certain amount of currency for the exchange of goods.
In recent years, though the practice of using ingots as currency has long been abolished these little nuggets are still very much revered by the Chinese and followers of Feng Shui.
The Creation of The Boat Shape
The term sycee came from the Cantonese word that is phonetically similar to 'fine silk'. These ingots were not traditionally nominated or created by a central mint - instead, their value was determined by their weight.
Chinese ingots were made by local silversmiths and goldsmiths, therefore the shape, decorative details and other embellishments are highly variable to a point that no two ancient sycees are alike. They do share one similar factor in the shape of the boat.
The History of Chinese Ingots
Chinese ingots were used as currency for as early as the Qin Dynasty (221 to 206 BC), during the rule of Emperor Shih Hwang-Tih.
During the turnover to the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) , a system of silver-and-copper coinage was established, and this was followed by the form of paper money and bonds in the 9th century. Though this is the case, due to monetary problems such as inflation and political uncertainty with changing dynasties and regimes, the sycee or the Chinese ingot remained useful. The Chinese ingot remained in use until the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).
The Chinese Ingot and Feng Shui
Because of its close association to monetary exchange, the Chinese venerate the boat-shaped symbol of the Chinese ingot, or sycee.
Feng Shui-wise, Chinese gold ingots are age-old and trusted symbols of wealth attainment, material happiness and all things finance. The Chinese use the symbol of the ingot to up their wealth factor, bring in prosperity to offices and even use ingots in the household to assist in generating wealth for all occupants of the home.
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