Ching Dynasty Imperial Court Collar

Very expressive Imperial Court singer dressed in elegant ceremonial robes with long sleeves and hands in motion. Gray terracotta. Thermoluminescense Test by Ralph Kotalla Lab NE: 05K091003 (Worldwide oldest private laboratory specialized in TL testing...

Court Uniform for Imperial Appointee, c. 1887. Wool with gold brocade. Court and military uniforms in emulation of European ensembles were officially adopted by the Japanese gover...

Painted pottery figure of an opulent Chinese court woman with up-swept hair and standing in a simply draped robe from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Her beauty is illuminated by the ...

A silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed textile piece was a detachable collar worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment accessory. With its origin dated back to the Han Dynasty and being used until the end of Qing Dynasty, the form evolves with time, but much of the ornamentation and fundamental symbolism remains the same. This striking example features a two-tiered design with seven lobes on each circle, all of which are variations of the shape of auspicious "ruyi", which represents the head of Lingzhi mushroom, a symbol of longevity. The inner lobes feature elaborate embroidery floral design with long and short satin stitches. Notably, one panel has a double gourd design, the symbol of fortune. The outer lobes show a simpler but bolder vision with the outlines of the designs lineated with metallic threads buddled in chain stitches. Small jade beads were used to link the piece together and most of them still remain. The piece as a whole has a very pleasant lilac purple color, delicate with the jade beads. In Qing Dynasty, the silk collar with high quality was worn by noble or aristocratic women. The red color and the lotus boy symbol indicate that it was most likely part of the fashion accouterment worn during wedding ceremony. The collar is beautifully float mounted within a double conforming mat in a giltwood frame and wood backing. A stunningly presented period piece with story to tell. Reference: For a collection of Chinese embroidered collars...

An embroidered silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar). This striking example features a two-tiered design with eleven inner and outer lobes radiating in a circular fashion. The red inner lobes feature floral embroidery design in satin stitches, the border with twisted chain stitches. The outer lobes are in the shape of auspicious "ruyi", which represents the head of Lingzhi mushroom, a symbol of longevity. Each showcases fine needlework of butterfly with spread wings and various floral motif. A small ball clasp remains on the front. This textile art is beautifully presented in a giltwood frame floating within a double mat of conforming shape. Detachable collars such as this were worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment...

An embroidered silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed t...

A silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this two-tiered, five-lobed textile piece was a detachable collar worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment...

A silk collar from China dated to Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed textile piece was a detachable collar worn arou...

Pair of Qing Dynasty Kesi Imperial civil officer rank badges with pheasant alighting astop a rock emerging from cloud and waves surrounding with auspicious symbols. Overall in very ...

Pair of Qing Dynasty Embroidered Imperial civil officer rank badges with pheasant alighting astop a rock emerging from cloud and waves surrounding with auspicious symbols. Each singl...