Bronze tax-free tallies belonging to Lord Qi of E, Warring States Period, from the collection of the Anhui Museum. Photo/Official WeChat account of the Anhui Museum

These bronze tallies, belonging to Lord Qi of E, narrate the history of the Chu State from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Taking the shape of bamboo joints, these distinctive pieces were issued by Qi’s father, King Huai of Chu, as a tax-free pass for transporting goods by land and water.

The intricate gold-inlaid inscriptions on the bronze tallies display vital details about transportation routes and the allocation of vehicles and boats, providing invaluable insights into the economic and transportation systems over 2,000 years ago.

Unearthed in a group of five in Shouxian county, Anhui province, these bronze treasures are housed in the Anhui Museum.

Detail of the gold-inlaid inscriptions on the bronze tax-free tally. Photo/Official WeChat account of the Anhui Museum.

Detail of the gold-inlaid inscriptions on the bronze tax-free tally. Photo/Official WeChat account of the Anhui Museum.