Chinese Jadeite Mandarin Court Necklace, China, late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Photo Auctionata - Berlin

Polished jadeite, red jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise, quartz with rutile inclusions. Details in gilded silver and silk brocade. With four pendants. Beautiful oval turquoise as centrework. Very harmonious combination of colours. Length: 112.5 cm. Very good condition. Estimation : 2 400 / 3 000 €

Provenance: from a Canadian private collection

This very fine courtly necklace was made in China during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). It is consists of a total of 108 beads, among them apple-green chatoyant and polished jadeites, precious lapis lazuli and jasper, which are a marvellous highlight in their iron red colour. The oval turquoise is set in gold and shows a natural marble-like pattern. The pendants are partially embedded in silk brocade. The quartzes with rutile inclusions are particularly noteworthy for their drop-shape, gilded silver setting and elegant sparkling quality. Opulent necklaces of this kind, made of semi-precious gemstones, were only worn by the highest-ranking members of the Chinese Imperial Court – they are thus demonstrative of the position and power of their wearer.

The number 108 is a traditional Chinese lucky number. As numbers are of high importance in Chinese culture, these necklaces were often composed with 108 beads or stones. The necklace is in a very good condition with only minimal traces of age and wear. The stones as well as the silk brocade are perfectly preserved. The length of the necklace (measured when worn and including the pendant) is 112.5 cm.

Mandarin Court Necklaces Mandarin court necklaces are called 'Chao Zhu' in Chinese. They were worn by honorary members of the court and officials of the Qing Dynasty to indicate the rank of its wearer. Such jewellery presented an opportunity to express one's status and one's taste. The number of gem stones and semi-precious stones usually carry symbolic weight.

Auctionata - Berlin. Vendredi 14 juin 2013. Franklinstrasse 13, 10587 Berlin. Contact: Victoria Mäder-Duhn vma@auctionata.com