Solid Gold Filigree Phoenix-Dragon Peony Crown Inlaid with Ruby, Qing Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions: 19.6 cm (7.72 inches) long, 17.5 cm (6.89 inches) high, weighing 350 grams. A Qing Dynasty imperial gold filigree crown from the 17th to 19th centuries. Condition and Provenance: The entire crown is crafted entirely from fine gold filigree. The dragon, phoenix, peony, and cloud-patterned bases are intact, without any missing pieces, broken wires, repairs, or signs of later welding. The gold surface is bright and lustrous, without discoloration or severe oxidation; the fine mesh of gold wire is uniform and consistent, without wear or deformation. Natural rubies are securely set in the dragon's eyes, phoenix's eyes, peony stamens, and crown edge, intact and undamaged, without cracks or detachment. The honeycomb-shaped gold filigree base is well-preserved; all decorative carvings and woven patterns are clear and three-dimensional, showing no signs of modern repair or chemical cleaning. This Qing Dynasty gold filigree dragon and phoenix crown was acquired in 2019 by a private collector in Manhattan, New York, specializing in Ming and Qing Dynasty gold and silver artifacts. New York is a major global trading center for Ming and Qing Dynasty gold and silver artifacts. Description: This museum-quality pure gold dragon, phoenix, and peony crown is a pinnacle of Qing Dynasty imperial gold ornament craftsmanship. It blends auspicious symbolism of royal weddings with the finest gold filigree techniques of the court, and was a ceremonial headdress worn by aristocratic women during their weddings. The crown consists of two parts: an arched oval base and a three-dimensional dragon, phoenix, and floral sculpture at the top. The wavy oval base is entirely decorated with intricate openwork dragon patterns, edged with evenly spaced round natural rubies, and bordered with two rows of tiny gold beads, creating a rich and luxurious detail. Above the base, against a background of cloud patterns, a pair of gold dragons and phoenixes stand facing each other. The dragons spiral upwards, each scale, whisker, and claw woven from extremely fine gold wire, creating a lifelike texture that complements the flowing flame and cloud patterns. The phoenixes spread their layered, long tail feathers, each feather meticulously woven from delicate gold wire, with light and elegant lines. A cluster of blooming peonies surrounds a dragon and phoenix, each petal hand-woven from gold thread, with a ruby inlaid at the stamen, symbolizing the inseparable union of dragon and phoenix and signifying everlasting wealth and prosperity. The entire piece utilizes the nearly lost royal gold thread weaving technique, weaving, welding, and filling with extremely fine gold threads of 0.1 millimeters to create a transparent hollow structure while maintaining sturdiness and stability. Both sides of the piece are adorned with exquisite patterns, and the base features a honeycomb-shaped gold thread backing, balancing wearing comfort with overall visual appeal. The dragon, phoenix, and peony are among the most representative auspicious motifs in Qing Dynasty royal art. This crown, proportionally balanced and weighing 350 grams, is crafted from pure gold, highlighting its noble status, and further enhanced by luxurious ruby inlays, adding unparalleled magnificence. Large Qing Dynasty gold thread crowns that are well-preserved and untouched by restoration or oxidation are extremely rare. This crown retains its original gemstone inlays and the natural luster of the untreated gold thread, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, profound meaning, and perfect preservation. It is a top-tier museum piece, possessing exceptional value in terms of craftsmanship, folk culture, precious metal collection, and academic research.

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