Burmese Jade Necklace

A necklace of mixed stone beads with gold spacers, suspending a carved jade plaque with five bead drops. The plaque is carved in openwork around a central circular aperture, its surface worked in low relief with scrolling pattern within a defined border. It hangs from a double strand of faceted stone beads on each side, interspersed with gold spacers. At the top, the strand gathers into larger patterned beads below a faceted pale stone. Five drops descend from the lower edge of the plaque: the two outer drops and the centre drop end in large faceted pale stones, and the two drops between them end in gold elements. The jade carries a worn, softened surface, and the beads vary in colour from green and grey to red and violet.

The necklace is built around the carved plaque. The strands and drops extend the piece above and below it.

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Thailand during a cultural jewellery fair, 1981.

Title

Burmese Jade Necklace

Origin

Burma

Date

19th–20th century

Dimensions

H 60 cm (23.6 in)

Medium

Jade, jasper, agate, quartz, and gold

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Thailand during a cultural jewellery fair, 1981.

Condition

Surface worn. Structure intact. Patina consistent and undisturbed.