Lot 2063. An exceptional jadeite lingguan tube pendant necklace, circa late Qing dynasty. Estimate HKD 1,800,000 - HKD 2,800,000 (USD 233,198 - USD 362,753). Photo Christie's Images Ltd 2016.

A cylindrical jadeite lingguan tube hollowed at one end, join to the silk cord, circa late Qing dynasty, lingguan approximately 65.5 x 16.1 x 3.3 mm

Accompanied by report no. KJ93746 dated 20 September 2016 from Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory stating that the lingguan is natural jadeite and no polymer is detected

Lingguan 

Unique to the court of the Qing dynasty, a plume holder reflected the merits and status of an official, and was used to identify his rank.

The court’s dressing rituals required that all officials wear a headwear during formal meetings. Crowning the headwear was a spherical gemstone, held in place by the plume holder, a tubular ornament encircling the feather piece.

Historical records showed that only premium materials would be used for the plume holder; jadeite and white jade plume holders were reserved for the highest-ranking civil and military officials respectively. The peacock feathers with one to three “eyes” (the eye-like pattern on the feather), also indicated the rank of an official and only the most prestigious ones could use feathers with three “eyes”.

After the fall of the Qing dynasty, many plume holders fell into the hands of civilians, but most of them were of poor quality or even re-crafted into other accessories. Therefore, surviving plume holders of pristine quality are exceptionally rare.

Today, plume holders are displayed in many museums worldwide, demonstrating their historical importance and rarity. The one offered in this sale first appeared at auction by Christie’s Hong Kong in 1997. An optimal combination of the finest texture and vivid colour, this plume holder is a paragon of impeccable quality and craftsmanship, making it a desirable collectible for jadeite enthusiasts and collectors.

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 29 November 2016, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall