Historical Context & Origin
Region: China, likely export market
Material: Carved jade or hardstone with marked silver mounts
Period: Early–Mid 20th Century CE
Description
This elegant hinged bracelet is composed of a pale celadon-white jade or hardstone bangle mounted within a decorative silver setting richly embellished with repoussé floral motifs and scrolling foliage. The bracelet features a broad curved body with alternating blossoms and leaves rendered in relief against a textured ground, while the opposite half consists of a polished stone segment displaying subtle green inclusions characteristic of jade and related hardstones.
The silver mounts terminate in a hinged clasp mechanism secured by a delicate safety chain, allowing the bracelet to open for wear. One of the interior mounts bears the mark “SILVER,” indicating the precious-metal content of the decorative fittings. Pieces of this type were produced throughout the early twentieth century for both domestic Chinese use and the export market, combining traditional East Asian jade-working traditions with ornamental silver craftsmanship.
The restrained color palette of the stone contrasts beautifully with the bright silver floral decoration, creating an attractive balance between natural material and decorative metalwork. Its generous proportions and substantial construction make it an appealing example of twentieth-century Asian jewelry design.
Features
- Marked “SILVER” on the interior mount
- Carved floral and foliate silver decoration
- Pale celadon-white stone with natural green inclusions
- Hinged construction with safety chain
- Repoussé and chased silver ornamentation
Cultural Significance
Jade has occupied a central place in Chinese artistic and cultural traditions for millennia, valued not only for its beauty but also for its associations with purity, longevity, and prosperity. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, jewelers frequently combined jade with silver mounts to create wearable objects that blended traditional symbolism with contemporary decorative tastes. Bracelets of this form remain highly collectible for their craftsmanship and their connection to longstanding Chinese lapidary and metalworking traditions.
Condition
The bracelet remains structurally sound overall and displays expected age-related wear, including surface scratches, tarnishing, and minor handling marks throughout. The silver mounts retain their decorative detail, and the jade or hardstone element exhibits natural inclusions and color variation. The interior mount is stamped “SILVER.” The clasp mechanism is currently in need of repair and does not close securely. Buyers should expect restoration or adjustment before regular wear.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Diameter: 3 in
Age (Approximate)
75–100 years old
Provenance
Formerly part of a private collection in Brooklyn, New York, USA, assembled by a dedicated collector of ethnographic art, Asian decorative objects, and tribal material.
Learn More
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