A Mandarin's court necklace, Chao Zhu

Late 18th to early 19th century
Length: 57 in (144.8 cm)

A Mandarin’s Court necklace, chao zhu, the 108 opaque Imperial yellow glass beads divided into four groups by larger translucent green beads imitating jadeite, the three Jinian strands of pink glass imitating coral, and the back strap with further glass beads of transparent sapphire blue and translucent amber glass.

The court necklace was worn by Qing dynasty officials at court, and draws its inspiration from the Buddhist mala prayer beads. Chao zhu are normally formed of 108 matching beads divided in four sections of 27 beads separated by three larger beads called jiezhu, and one other larger bead of gourd-shape also called the “Buddha’s head” bead, which hangs on the back of the garment.

Provenance: acquired in San Francisco in the late 1970’s

Published: Asiantiques, Chinese Qing Dynasty Glass Treasures: A Selection from the Gadient Collection (2009), cat. no. 39

(Hard cover catalogue, 64 glass artworks, 64 pp, full color illustrations, English text and Chinese captions. Catalogue available for purchase, $45 including domestic shipping, $55 international. The catalogue can also be viewed online in pdf format. Please contact us or visit our "exhibitions" page for more information.)

Ref. 862987

SOLD