R28,000 - R32,000
A CHINESE MANDARIN COURT NECKLACE, CHAO ZHU, QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY
NOT SUITABLE FOR EXPORT
consisting of a strand of ninety-six marine tusk beads divided into groups of twenty-four by three large fotou "Buddha-head" marine tusk beads stained coral-red, the gourd-shaped foutouta "Buddha-head stupa" bead suspending an oval cobalt-blue glass beiyun "back cloud" disc, terminating with a large teardrop-shaped bead surmounted by a gilt brass calyx, all suspended from a blue silk tape, the three jinian-strands of pale pink marine tusk beads each further suspending similar teardrop beads in green and blue
Approximately 116cm long
LOT ESSAY
In 1766, the Qianlong Emperor (1711–99) laid out strict dress regulations for the court, intending to reinvigorate the Manchu style (from earlier in the Qing dynasty) and reinforce social distinctions within the court. It was as elaborate as its title – 'The Illustrated Precedents for the Ritual Paraphernalia of the Imperial Court' – and covered everything from jewellery to robes. Accordingly, the regulations documented that the chao zhu or court necklace, comprised precisely of 108 beads. The choice of beads determined the social rank of the wearer. The emperor wore pearls, jade, and coral, while members of the court wore semi-precious stones, rare woods, bone and tusk. Each necklace included large contrasting beads that were separated by 27 smaller beads. Finally three counting strings and a long counter-weight string worn at the back gave the necklace balance and added beauty.
CONDITION REPORT
* Fine overall condition
* Lacking beads
* Wear to silk tape
* Tarnishing to metal
* Pigment loss to some beads
Fees apply to the hammer price:
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