Silver and cloissoné bracelet with dragon clasp

Jewelry

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image shows a beautifully crafted bracelet with intricate designs, featuring two stylized fish adorned in vibrant blue and gold enamel, connected by a central metallic clasp, all set against a textured background, reflecting an exquisite blend of artistry and craftsmanship.

The image shows a beautifully crafted bracelet with intricate designs, featuring two stylized fish adorned in vibrant blue and gold enamel, connected by a central metallic clasp, all set against a textured background, reflecting an exquisite blend of artistry and craftsmanship.

Name/Title

Silver and cloissoné bracelet with dragon clasp

Entry/Object ID

1989.15.12

Category

Vault, Chinese, Objects, Functional Object
Ethnic

Made/Created

Artist

Anonymous Chinese

Dimensions

Dimension Description

overall size

Height

5/8 in

Width

3-3/8 in

Depth

3-3/8 in

Exhibitions

90 Years of Collecting - September 4–October 20, 2012 Center Art Gallery
Permanent Collection exhibition - September 1, 2015 - May 2016 Center Art Gallery

General Notes

Note

Silver and cloissone blue bracelet with blue dragon clasp. Common among early examples of Chinese cloissoné works, this bracelet uses turquoise and lapis lazuli colors. The cloissoné style is a technique used in making jewelry, with the earliest Chinese example dating back to 1350 AD. Of all the symbolic animals in Chinese culture, the dragon was the oldest, most meaningful, and most cherished. The meaning behind the dragon has developed over time. They were thought to have the ability to move between realms, and were believed to bring the life giving properties of rain to the land. These powers made the dragon ideal as an imperial symbol, for the people hoped that each ruler would bring prosperity like the rain.