GREAT PEKING MEDAL
VIENNA 'KUNSTLERHAUS', "GROSS-PEKING"

SCHARFF, Anton: Austria, 1892, Silver, 45 mm
Obv: Two Asian persons with double-eagled shield
Rev: Monster and dragon with shield:    SCHARFF    BALL D(er) WIENER KUNSTLER HAUSE 29 FEB 1892 (printed to resemble Chinese lettering)
Square hole (5 mm) in center.
Ref: Forrer V, p.368; Wein. Med. 218; Internat. Medallic Exhibit 219/3069

The neo-Renaissance Vienna Kunstlerhaus was commissioned by the Viennese Society of Fine Arts in 1868 and is adorned with life-size statues of Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and many others. It is an exhibition place, rich in tradition. The historical building dating back to the era of the Ringstraße was built on the centrally located Karlsplatz next to the  world famous building of the Musikverein in 1868, as an event site and exhibition house for the oldest artist association of Austria.
This medal commemorates  a Fancy Dress Ball with a Chinese theme which was put on by the organization in1892.

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