HISTORICAL MEDAL FROM 1913 Enamelled in polychrome, depicting a bust of President Yuan Shih-Kai. China, Republic period, (1912-1949), 1913. A GILT AND ENAMEL INAUGURATION MEDAL, YUAN SHIH-KAI, CHINA, REPUBLIC PERIOD, 1913. NOTE The medal is an important historical object that represents a crucial moment in China's history. In 1913, Yuan Shih-Kai (1859-1916) was elected President of the Republic of China (1912-1949) after the fall of the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Yuan Shih-Kai played a crucial role in the early years of the Republic of China and sought to consolidate power in a period of political turmoil. This medal is a tangible symbol of this momentous event.