The Year of the Dragon Partially Gold-plated Silver Medal: “The Auspicious Dragon Brings Good Fortune and Prosperity”

99.9% Pure Silver

70 mm

5 oz

4,500 pieces

The Year 2012 is the Chinese Lunar Year of Ren Chen, the Zodiac Year of the Dragon. This image was designed and executed by the Chinese gongbi (meticulous brush technique) painter, Professor Chang Ker-chi. The image of a dragon flying in the sky is optimally auspicious: it portends that the Year 2012 will have favorable winds and rains, that the country will be prosperous, and that the people will live in safety and security. The figure of the dragon is gold-plated to highlight it against the silver medal, the gold itself representing national fortune and prosperity.

The image features a multi-colored peony blossom in the foreground of a window lattice patterned on the shape of ancient coins. Together these illustrate with especial clarity the significance of the Chinese characters hua kai fu gui which translated mean “peonies in bloom symbolize wealth and dignity.” The fine gongbi painting of the peony blossom in the image is also the work of Professor Chang Ker-chi.