Sotheby’s Hong Kong to Auction Emperor Yongsheng Pearl Necklace
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 11:00 Written by a2e Tuesday, 16 March 2010 11:00
Sotheby’s Hong Kong has announced that the Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art 2010 Spring Sale will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 8 April 2010. Comprising over 330 lots with an estimated total value of approximately HK$430 million, one of the outstanding highlights of the sale is undoubtedly the Magnificent Ceremonial Pearl Necklace of Qing dynasty, 18th century. Also on offer this season is the single owner sale – Water, Pine, and Stone Retreat Collection – Objects of Contemplation.
A Magnificent Ceremonial Court Pearl Necklace
(Chaozhu) ,Qing dynasty, 18th century (Est.HK$8-12 million)
The importance of the present court necklace, or chaozhu, is immediately evident in the use of large white and flawless Eastern pearls – one of the most treasured and precious materials employed for the wardrobe and paraphernalia exclusively made for the emperor and his family members. Court necklaces consisted of 108 beads, with a bead of a different colour or material, called the fotou (Buddha’s head), placed between groups of 27.
