Chinese coins w/ mother of pearl inlaid in lacquer ware carving

[Thoth33]

Hello everyone I am wondering if anyone has any ideas about this particular piece. I have managed to identify the coins as being from the 60 yr reign of Qian Long(1736-1795) but what I am baffled about is why are they in this particular piece of art. Although black lacquer ware carvings were very popular during this time it was primarily used for vases,furniture and things of that sort. I can find no "wall art" from this time period that resembles this piece maybe someone can give me some insight. Thanks so much!

[Shelley]

Hello and welcome, are you sure it is "wall art"?

 

it looks like it might be manuscript roll weight. I have something of a similar shape but completely different design and material.

 

They are used to weigh down one end of a scroll of paper or scroll painting.

 

Coins are used quite a lot in different things they aren't that rare or valuable because they made millions of them.

[aone]

Characters in the coin:  乾(Qian)；隆(Long)；通(Tong)；寶(Bao)。

 

Edit: TKS for Skylee's correction ( from 龍 to 隆)

[Thoth33]

Thank you both I am happy to finally have a response! The piece is approximately 3 feet long but from what I have been seeing I know they've made some fairly large scrolls that would take something that size to hold I suppose. 

[aone]

Sorry, no comment on the piece of work - 'cause I have no expertise on heritages/antiques and works of art

[skylee]

Characters in the coin: 乾(Qian)；龍(Long)；通(Tong)；寶(Bao)

The second character is 隆, not 龍.

[Shelley]

I hadn't realize the size, however as you say they do have some large scrolls.

 

I would be open to it being something else though. Not sure what, but it may just be wall art, but usually things like this have a use.