Lot 1906
  • 1906

Highly Important Jadeite Bangle

Estimate
40,000,000 - 50,000,000 HKD
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Description

  • jadeite
  • Inner diameter and thickness approximately 55.45 - 47.30 x 13.41mm.
The highly translucent oval bangle of emerald green colour, rounded to the outside and flattened to the inside.

Condition

Colour and Clarity: According to the jadeite certificate, the jadeite bangle is natural, type "A" jadeite. Please refer to the certificate for details. In our opinion, the jadeite bangle has very good translucency and evenly fine texture, of medium bright emerald green colour. Upon transmitted illumination, there are some clouds, not noticeable in normal lighting. Condition: Classic bangle with desirable thickness and width, in very good condition. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that jadeite and rubies of Burmese origin and articles of jewellery containing jadeite or rubies of Burmese origin all less than 100 years old may not be imported into the US. The purchaser's inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify cancellation or rescission of the sale or any delay in payment. Please check with the specialist department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these import restrictions, or any other restrictions on importation or exportation
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate numbered KJ 83710, dated 6 January 2014, stating that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as "A jade".

內直徑及厚度約55.45 - 47.30 x 13.41毫米,香港尺寸1.47,台灣尺寸17.5


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Bangle of Noble Consort

Bangles were historically worn as armbands for both women and men, gradually transformed into a jewellery piece that is to wrap around a lady’s slender wrist. As a traditional Chinese saying goes, “Heaven is round and the earth is square”, roundness of a circle symbolizes wholeness, completion, and also stands for eternal laws that govern heaven and earth.  This explains why jadeite bangles, as a classic form of jadeite jewels, often assume a perfectly round shape. Legend has it that it was in Tang dynasty when jadeite bangle started taking on new shapes and styles, the most distinctive being Guifei (noble consort) bangle, which is oval in shape and often rounded to the outside and flattened to the inside. It was believed that the pioneer behind this ingenious invention was the most beloved imperial consort of Emperor Xuanzong from the Tang Dynasty, Yang Yuhuan.

Known for her intriguing beauty, Imperial Consort Yang was a woman of many talents. She excels in dancing and singing, as well as playing pipa. Emperor Xuanzong, who is very fond of music and arts regarded her as his muse, placing her high above other imperial consorts of the same rank. Once the Emperor initiated a concert where both Western and Chinese instruments were to be played. To mark this special occasion, Imperial Consort Yang commissioned the craftsmen to create a special jadeite bangle, which would accentuate her elegance and unrivalled status. Thus, the first exceptional oval jadeite bangle was made and since then, bangles of this particular shape was named Guifei bangle.

Since the centre of jadeite bangles are hollowed out, fashioning this form of jadeite jewellery usually involves high wastage, and to ensure lasting quality, the jadeite boulder must be almost free of cracks and blemishes. A translucent and fine jadeite bangle with considerable thickness as Lot 1906 is extremely hard to come by, while its oval shape posed even greater challenge in the polishing process. Guifei bangle stands as a testament to the fastidious skills and wisdom of craftsmen in China from more than a thousand years ago.