Enquiry about object: 6265
Pair of Chinese Gilded Silver Earrings with Blue Kingfisher Feathers, Pearls and Spinels
China late 19th-early 20th century, Late Qing Dynasty
lengths: 6cm, combined weights: 10.8g
Provenance
UK art market
Each of these beautiful, wearable pair of Chinese earrings comprises a main section in the form of a phoenix from which a basket is suspended.
The phoenixes and baskets are of gilded (gold-plated) silver decorated with blue kingfisher feather segments.
Five strands of pearls each terminating with a tear-drop spinel which emerge from mounts decorated with kingfisher feathers. A further pearl and spinel strand is suspended from the mouth of each phoenix.
The earrings have ‘fish hooks’ to allow the earrings to be worn through a pierced ear.
The pair is in fine condition with minimal loss of kingfisher feather.
References
Chen, H.S. et al, Catalogue of the Exhibition of Ch’ing Dynasty Costume Accessories, National Palace Museum, 1986.
Jackson, B., Kingfisher Blue: Treasures of an Ancient Chinese Art, Ten Speed Press, 2001.
National Palace Museum, Royal Style: Qing Dynasty and Western Court Jewellery, 2102.
