Qizhen yong three-character mark, Qing Dynasty
Formed as two semi-circles of tubular section, delicately chased with shaped panels containing dragons and floral sprays against a diaper pattern ground, the terminals with butterflies, box. (38g; 20K-gold). 14.2cm (5 5/8in) diam. (2).
Footnotes
清 金項圈
款識:奇珍用
Provenance: a British private collection, and thence by descent
來源:英國私人收藏,並由後人保存迄今
The present lot bears the inscription 奇珍用 (qizhen yong) which may be translated as 'for use as a rare and precious [object],' indicating both the value of the piece and its intended ceremonial or elite use. Dragons signify Imperial authority and power, while butterflies are auspicious symbols of longevity and joy. See a similar gold necklace, Anle Wangfu mark, Qing dynasty, illustrated in Tamen: Zhongguo gudai nüzi tujian, Shanghai, 2023, p.91, no.3.