A BLUE-GLASS COURT NECKLACE, CHAOZHU

19TH CENTURY

Details

A BLUE-GLASS COURT NECKLACE, CHAOZHU
19TH CENTURY
Comprised of 108 small transparent blue glass beads spaced with four large dark blue 'Buddha's head' beads, a two-part double-gourd bead, a large flattened oblong plaque, and three strings of coral glass beads suspending filigree-mounted tear-drop ornaments imitating jadeite, turquoise and tourmaline

Lot Essay

The court necklace, chaozhu, was an integral element of Qing official dress. Linked to the Buddhist rosary, the necklace was composed of 108 beads in four sections of 27, separated by larger 'Buddha's head' beads, and hung with three strings and tape which hung down the back. Many different materials were used including, as with the present necklace, glass imitating more precious materials.

More from The Imperial Wardrobe: Fine Chinese Costume And Textiles From The Linda Wrigglesworth Collection

View All