Zhu Yuanzhang's Ming Vase

Origin
The Hongwu Emperor (1328 - 1398) was the founder and the first emperor of the Ming dynasty of China. In the middle of the 14th century, with famine, plagues and peasant revolts all across China, Zhu Yuanzhang rose to command going to war against the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty wiping most of them out, forcing the rest to retreat to Central Asian steppes. When in power he expected everyone to obey his rule and was infamous for killing many people during his purges. He even went as far as to execute anyone who dared criticize or rise against him. The killings stopped in 1380 when a lightning bolt struck his palace instead he resorted to forcing people to hand over all their gold, coins and valuables.

Effects
Those who are close enough to be affected will put all their money into the case until they are bankrupt. Even if they are bankrupt they will still be pressured by vase to sell off all possessions until they go into poverty.