Ming and Qing gold and silver jewelry

Author: Editorial Committee of "Beijing Cultural Relics Appreciation"
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Jewelry originally referred to ornaments worn on the heads of men and women, commonly known as "headgear." Later, it became a general term for full-body decorations. Ancient jewelry included hair ornaments, neck ornaments, crown ornaments, and pendant ornaments. As early as the Shang Dynasty, China had already produced sets of gold jewelry. In 1977, gold hairpins, gold earrings, and gold arm bracelets unearthed from the Shang Dynasty tomb of Liujiarhe in Pinggu County, Beijing, were crafted using casting and hammering techniques. Their designs were rustic and robust, with a gold content reaching 80%. Jewelry evolved along with changes in different eras, people's lifestyles, and clothing styles. The Tang Dynasty was the peak period for the production and use of gold and silver ornaments in China. During this time, gold, silver, pearls, and gemstones were skillfully combined, highlighting the unique characteristics of each material and fully showcasing the dazzling, luxurious, and exquisite beauty of the ornaments. This ingenious design and craftsmanship had a profound influence on the later development of gold and silver fine arts.