4201) "Choju-jinbutsu-giga Prints - National Treasure", Japan: Gold and Silver Medals issued by the Mint of Japan: Date/Year of Medals issue: 2025:
The Mint of Japan has released a set of 2025 Mint Sets featuring the first designs of a four-piece medal set.
Japan's printed National Treasures, ‘Choju-jinbutsu-giga’ feature on new gold and silver medals and a six-circulation coin set.
Designated as a recognised National Treasure of Japan, ‘Choju-jinbutsu-giga’ (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals) are exceptionally illustrated ink drawings of anthropomorphic animals - both real and imaginary frolicking in lively in human-like scenes.
These black-and-white drawings of animals engaging in human activities have been hugely influential in terms of style and concept.
There is no explanatory text and parts are missing, the artist is also unknown, However, some art historians have attributed the work to the artist and priest Toba Sojo (1053–1140) though there is no definitive proof.
The Japanese Government has designated these works of art as tangible cultural properties and were selected as peerless treasures of the Japanese people on the basis of their importance to world culture.
The recently released National Treasure Medals will comprise a series of medals on the theme of precious national treasures and their attendant cultural properties.
For this series, Choju-jinbutsu-giga was chosen and will be released as a four-year programme.
Medals struck in base metal are also being included in a four-year programme of Mint sets beginning in 2025.
The Medals Set:
2025 - Scroll One - Ko:
The first medals in the series feature illustrations from the first scroll titled Ko, which depicts various creatures bathing, preparing food, and attending a Buddhist memorial service.
The animals include rabbits, frogs, and foxes. Notable scenes include a rabbit and a frog chasing a monkey, and a rabbit riding on a deer.
A reproduction of this scroll is displayed at Sekisuiin, in the grounds of Kosanji Temple.
2026 - Scroll Two - Otsu:
These scenes combine domestic animals including cows, chickens, and dogs; mythical creatures such as dragons and chimeras and animals not native to Japan, including elephants and leopards.
2027 Scroll Three - Hei:
The first half of this scroll includes caricatures of people. The remaining illustrations depict animals engaging in human activities. One scene shows frogs and monkeys pulling an oxcart.
2028 Scroll Four - Tei:
The last scroll features satirical drawings of humans gambling, competing, and visiting the court of the emperor.
- Both the Gold and Silver medals share the same design, the obverse side depicts the rabbit who can’t wait to show his copy of the ‘Choju-jinbutsu-giga’ or, ko to the frog.
The Reverse is designed to illustrate the scroll as a continuation from the Obverse and sees the frog appearing quite surprised to find himself illustrated in the Choju-jinbutsu-giga. Depictions of flowering plants in the background continue onto the reverse along with ornate calligraphy.
The 2025 Mint set includes all six Japanese legal tender coins in circulation struck in brilliant uncirculated quality.
- Included is the 500 yen bi-metallic coin, a 100-yen cupronickel coin, a 50-yen cupronickel coin, a 10-yen bronze coin, a 5-yen brass coin and a 1-yen aluminium coin.
- A red brass medal depicting a chasing rabbit is placed in the centre of the collection.
Item Metal Weight Dimensions Quality Mintage Limit
Medal Plated Brass 7.8 g. 27 mm. Oxidised 30,000 sets
.999 Silver 160 g. 60 mm. Oxidised BU 2000
.999 Gold 45 g. 35 mm. Proof 1000
- Each gold and silver medal is available as a separate purchase and presented in a custom case accompanied with literature and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
- The base metal commemorative medal is included in the 2025 set of Brilliant Uncirculated coins and presented in a rigid plastic case which is enclosed in a card cover.
Links to interesting posts on Coins & Banknotes of Japan:
National Treasure - Medals:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wonderful and informative post 👍👍"
Thank you so much Trikha sahab
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