Vintage
Chinese Turquoise Jewelry Examples
Chinese Turquoise Jewelry
Pectoral
ornament, late 19th-early 20th century
China
(Khotan), Turkoman
Silver
with silver filigree, cabochon, and table-cut turquoise; 4 5/8 x 4 3/4
in. (11.6 x 12.2 cm)
The Turquoise Jewelry ornaments of the Turkoman tribes of Central
Asia are characterized by their bold forms, striking profiles, and prominent
semiprecious stones, most often carnelians or turquoise. By the
nineteenth century, the once seminomadic Turkoman people had settled
in various parts of Iran, Afghanistan, and Chinese and former Soviet
Central Asia, but metalworkers' guilds continued to hold an honored
position in each center. Turkoman silversmiths produced a variety of
objects in a style and with motifs that reflected both Islamic and shamanist
cultural influences: jewelry for women and children; ornaments and fittings
for knives, helmets, and belts; and harnesses and other embellishments
for horses and other animals.
This
pendant of somewhat unusual form originally hung from a chain threaded
through metal rings attached to the loops on the rectangular plate at
the top. The combination of filigree and a thicker silver rim is often
seen in Turkoman silver jewelry. The use of blue stones as protection
from the "evil eye" has a long history in Islamic culture,
particularly in the Persianate world.
Ornamental
plaques, 6th-8th century
western China
Gold
with turquoise inlay; 1 1/16 x 9/16 in. (2.6 x 1.4 cm)
This
set of decorative plaques includes four nearly identical square pieces
and one narrower rectangular form. On each of the plaques, beaded borders
enclose finely granulated ground on which thin gold strips and turquoise
inlays form a floral design. A braid made of gold threads extends between
the borders and the design, composed on connected trefoils extending
into the corners with a circle at the center.
Technically
and stylistically, these plaques are typical of ornaments found at seventh-
and eighth-century sites in eastern Central Asia and in the northwestern
Chinese province of Qinghai. Chinese sources indicate that metalworking
flourished in this region under Tibetan dominion during the seventh
and eighth centuries. The use of the trefoil motif and granulation provides
evidence of active cultural and trade contact between West Asia and
China.
Chinese
snuff bottle. Silver metal with dark patina, intricate surface wirework
design with set in turquoise and coral. Stamped China on the
base. 1930's to 1940's import piece that would grace any dresser. Stands
3 3/4 inches high.
Wonderful
vintage Chinese teapot pin. Goldwash silver with flat smooth back and
rounded filigree front. Decorated with enamel flowers and bezel set
turquoise and coral cabuchons. Tuquoise pendant dangles from handle.
Early to mid century Chinese import piece. 1.5 x 1.75 inches. Stamped
silver.
Today the finest Chinese
Turquoise Jewelry is sold in China to the Chinese collector.
As many people know Jade is the most highly prized gemstone to the Chinese,
however over the years Turquoise has become more and more prominant.
Vintage
Turquoise Jewelry from China that is authentic is extremly rare
and almost un-attainable.
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