Early Chinese Export Jewelry (1911 – 1948) = At the end of the Qing Dynasty around 1911, many pieces of jewellery were sold from personal collections and shipped internationally.  Around 1920 there was a major increase in the amount of jewelry that was exported out, NO trade with mainland China (1949-1970) = Trade with mainland China was completely shut down during this time.

Vintage Chinese Export Genuine Cinnabar beaded necklace

Individually knotted, on silk cord,

Hand Carved, you can see the tooling marks

Dates to between 1930 and 1949, when Chinese export ended

Cinnabar red in colour

Length is 67cm or 26 inches

Beads measure 14 to 16 mm in diameter

Vermeil gold filigree box clasp

Condition: Very Good

Weighs: 64 grams

Last 11 photos are of similar necklaces for comparison

Carved cinnabar refers to a traditional Chinese art form where layers of lacquer, traditionally colored with cinnabar (a red mercury sulfide pigment), are applied to a base and then carved into intricate designs. This technique, known as "diaoqi," involves applying numerous layers of lacquer, often over a wooden core, and then carefully carving away the surface to reveal the different layers and create decorative patterns.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Cinnabar:

In this context, cinnabar refers to the red pigment derived from mercury sulfide, which is used to colour the lacquer.

Lacquer:

The lacquer used is a natural resin or sap from trees in southern China. It hardens when exposed to oxygen, forming a durable and water-resistant coating.

Carving Process:

Multiple layers of pigmented lacquer are applied, building up the desired thickness. Skilled artisans then carve into the layers, revealing the different colors and creating detailed patterns.

Historical Significance:

Carved cinnabar lacquer has a long history in China, dating back centuries, and was a highly valued art form, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Common Motifs:

Common motifs in carved cinnabar include figures in landscapes, birds, flowers, and abstract designs like the "guri" pattern.

Examples:

Carved cinnabar objects include boxes, trays, vases, and other decorative items. Although lacquer is used in many Asian cultures, the art of carving lacquer is unique to China. Lacquer is the resin (or sap) of a family of trees (rhus verniciflua) found throughout southern China

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