Antique Chinese Silver Gilt Carnelian Filigree Bracelet Shou Longevity Symbols Republic Period - A458

Summary

An antique Chinese silver gilt filigree bracelet set with four carnelian panels and decorated throughout with Shou longevity symbols, probably dating to the Chinese Republican period. Marked Made in China to one panel and for silver to the clasp.

Description

A Chinese silver gilt bracelet constructed from a series of rectangular panels joined together, each worked in fine filigree. Four of the panels are set with polished carnelian cabochons, the warm orange red stones contrasting with the gold toned silver filigree ground. The remaining panels, including those forming the slide clasp, continue the filigree work with no stone setting.

The panels are decorated with Shou characters, the Chinese symbol for longevity, woven into the filigree design throughout. The Shou symbol has been used in Chinese decorative arts for centuries as an auspicious emblem, and its use here reflects the broader decorative vocabulary of Chinese jewellery and silverwork from the late Qing and Republican periods.

The clasp is a slide type with a safety chain, and carries a silver mark. To the reverse of one of the main panels the bracelet is marked Made In China. The piece was probably made during the Chinese Republican period, which ran from 1912 to 1949, when Chinese silversmiths produced work for both domestic and export markets.

A presentation box is included, though this is not original to the bracelet.

Condition

Very good condition for the period, with minor signs of wear. The gilt shows some expected surface scratching to the clasp through normal use. The filigree work and carnelian panels are intact.

Approximate Measurements

• Fits wrists: Up to approximately 17.5cm [6.9in]
• Width: 20mm [0.79in]
• Weight: 53.21g [1.88oz] excluding box
• Material: Silver gilt
• Stones: Carnelian
• Marks: Made In China (panel reverse), silver mark (clasp)
• Decoration: Shou longevity symbols in filigree
• Date: Probably Chinese Republican period, circa 1912 to 1949

A458 OC20-1

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