In 1644 the new Manchu Dynasty brought fashion changes in everything from hairstyles to personal adornment…including jewelry. In 1912, when the dynasty fell out of power, style and priorities changed again. Ornaments associated with court life were often reworked for sale to the west.
The centerpiece of this bracelet is a 19th century Nephrite jade carving of a figure standing inside a temple…a symbol of protection.
The bracelet itself was made c.1930, all silver with openwork cloisonné of five bats on each side, clouds and good fortune symbols. Adaptive reuse at it’s finest.
Visit PrivateCollection’s PictureBook to see additional photos… many in larger formats.
