East Asia, China, Guizhou province, Miao culture, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A stunning and ornate nickel-silver and silver washed necklace consisting of a massive repousse loop with dangling ornaments of symbolic applique panels and tinkling bells. The main loop is comprised of a flattened verso and a domed frontal face, repousse, openwork cut, and etched with stylized dragon motifs. The tips taper to narrow terminals, covered with a narrow band of nickel-silver to create a continuous loop. The nearly 2 dozen dangling ornaments consist of butterflies, dragons, birds, and fish appliques that are suspended by chain links, the bells and pyramidal cones tinkling loudly together, announcing the wearer even with the of slightest movements. Miao women are known for their elaborate jewelry, worn at festivals and weddings - with a single woman wearing dozens of pieces, with some individual necklaces weighing over a kilogram! Size: 19" L x 12" Diameter x 2.5" W (48.3 cm x 30.5 cm x 6.4 cm); neck opening gap: 8.5" Diameter (21.6 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#174186

Some dark toning and small areas of green patina throughout. Indentations and small tears to repousse openwork. Overall great condition.