Pin? Tack? No Clue!

[DavidGC]

Found this 6 to 8-inches down. It's about 1/2-inch long (about the size of your pinky fingernail).
I have no idea which side is up. Looks a little like Chinese characters to me.
The back is just a metal post -- too short to be an earring (unless some of the post is gone).

Any ideas?

 

[dave5710]

Sure looks like a tie tack. A pin usually has some sort of advertising on it, like a team, or an event, or an organization,or a product.

 

[DavidGC]

I'm leaning that way too, Dave. Either that or a lapel pin.
I just wish I could figure out the design. It seems so random.