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Chao Zhu Necklace
19th c

Attractive colour combination . The carved stones used as beads is an unusual feature. I think the blue glass resembles crystal, which Sixth rank officials used for their hat buttons. The court necklace was an important part of Qing ceremonial dress. The design was based on the Buddhist rosary and probably introduced by the first Qing Emperor, Shunzi, a devout Buddhist. Comprising 108 small beads with four larger 'Buddha heads' beads. When worn two of the subsidary strings hung from the left shoulder and the other from right. The long tape hung down the back. The use of chao zhu was restricted to imperial nobles and officials down to the 5th rank. Each rank of person was prescribed different stones. For similar see: Wilston, Verity Chinese Dress p 29 fig 15

Description

or beads of office, probably worn by a Sixth Ranking Official,of blue glass or semi precious stones and carved peach stones , with petrol blue hand woven braid bound at ends with hand woven red and white patterning, carved blue glass drops on ends of blue glass beads.

Condition

Excellent.

SOLD

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