A Pair of Gilt‑Silver Dragon‑Terminal Open Cuff Bracelets,Liao‑Song Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions:Inner Diameter 7.2cm(2‑7/8in),Total Weight 83gCondition & Provenance:This matched pair of ancient gilt‑silver cuffs survives in solid wearable condition without major breaks,bends or modern repairs,both bracelets keep their original open‑end structure intact.The raised gilt relief motifs retain substantial original gilding,though age‑related wear has worn away sections of the gold overlay on high‑point surfaces,exposing the dark silver‑alloy base metal underneath;deep recessed carving zones still hold rich bright gilding built up through centuries of burial patina.The dragon‑head terminals at each opening end show crisp carved facial details with soft surface abrasion from long‑time handling,no brutal modern chipping or file marks.The inner faces display deep‑set molded negative‑relief patterns,overlaid with dark,textured earth‑buried patina mixed with silvery‑grey oxidation;natural micro‑pitting and minor surface corrosion spots are visible across inner and outer surfaces,which are authentic signs of underground deposition rather than post‑collection damage.These bracelets were formerly part of a prominent California private ancient‑jewelry collection assembled throughout the 1990s,the previous owner sourced this set from a respected Asian art dealer based out of San Francisco,and the pair has remained undisturbed within the same private family holding ever since.This is their very first appearance on the public auction marketplace.Description:This is a complete matched pair of Liao‑Song period gilt‑silver open cuff bracelets,masterfully crafted for elite noble‑class wear during medieval northern China.Each cuff is formed as a wide open‑style bangle with finely sculpted dragon‑head terminals on both split ends,showing defined brows,bulging eyes and detailed scale carvings characteristic of Liao‑dynasty animal‑ornament metalwork.The outer face features high‑relief gilt decoration set against a fine granulated stippled background,displaying repeating motifs of playful children,flying birds and scrolling leafy floral vines that wind continuously around the band.The figurative scenes carry auspicious symbolic meaning,representing joy,prosperity and harmonious good fortune for the wearer.The inner surfaces are cast with corresponding reverse‑molded negative relief work,a production technique typical for high‑status Liao‑Song silver jewelry.The partial surviving gilding contrasts dramatically against the dark aged silver base,creating a powerful visual layering effect.These heavy‑weight bracelets were made to fit over the wrist,and complete matching pairs of this quality rarely come to market,most surviving examples turn up as single pieces only.This set delivers wonderful insight into the sophisticated metal‑crafting tradition and ornamental taste of the Liao‑Song cultural sphere.

图片