China - Tea Brick Currency (Tea Money), 1953 - 1977. Obverse: 5 stars above; Chinese Pailou building in the center; China Tea Company (中國茶葉公司), Made in Zhaoliqiao Tea Brick Factory (趙李橋磚茶廠製造) Reverse: 16 pre-cut bars with Chinese Luck knots Produce Period: April 1953 -1977. Size: 24 x 19 x 2 cm. Weight: ~ 1.5 kilos (with frame). Production place: Zhaoliqiao Town, Hubei Province, China NOTE: there are sticks on the edge, in order to mount the brick into the wooden frame. Tea bricks have been used as a means of currency from the 9th to the 20th century in China, Mongolia, Tibet, Central Asia and Russia. The bricks were mainly produced in Sichuan, Hubei and Hunan provinces, southern China. They were made in various forms and sizes and transported by yaks or camels caravans. Being compact, easy to preserve and to carry, tea bricks are a practical means of payment used even to make a trade with people from other regions. Please see the pictures for a proper impression. Will be shipped with postNL worldwide.