Canada’s dragon boat festivals are the continuation of a tradition that originated 2,000 years ago in
China, where the dragon is the mythical ruler of water and rain. Engraved in ultra high relief, the
colourful Chinese dragon rises up from the coin to celebrate the cultural aspect of dragon boat racing
and the spirit of its participants, who paddle to the sounds of the drum that is the boat’s beating heart.
The reverse image by Simon Ng is a colourful, dynamic fusion of traditional symbolism and
contemporary minting techniques. An auspicious pattern of stylized, foam-tipped waves fills much of
the field, where the engraved lines convey movement in the water. Engraved in ultra high relief, a
Chinese dragon rises up from the flat surface of the coin, where the serpentine neck alludes to the
typical shape of a boat. An application of colour adds dazzling reds, oranges and blues to this revered
figure of Chinese mythology, who holds a green pearl of wisdom that symbolizes the active yang aspect
of qi, the life force that surrounds us.
A dazzling
showpiece that celebrates the cultural tradition of
dragon boat racing, and the festivals held annually in
several Canadian cities.
Diameter: 36.15 mm
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Weight: 30.76 g
Bullion Weight: 0.987 Troy Ounces
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Reverse: Colorful Chinese Dragon
Artist: Simon Ng
Finish: Proof
Quantity Produced: 6000
Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
Theme(s): Canadian,Royal Canadian Mint,Chinese Culture
|