collier de cour en noyaux, corail et jadéite sculptés chine, dynastie qing, XIXE siècle

composé de 100 perles en noyaux sculptés et ajourés de personnages, entrecoupées de 4 grosses perles de corail sculpté et ajouré à décor de qilin, dont l'une entourée de petites perles fines, soutenant un médaillon en jadéite figurant le noeud éternel, 3 petites rangées de 10 perles de corail se finissant par des gouttes en jadéite sculptées à décor de qilin partant sur les côtés ; manque une petite rangée

The necklace is in good overall condition with the exception of one of the jade drop that is missing (visible in the catalogue illustration). The beads are very finely carved and detailed. The necklace may have been restrung at some point in its history.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Huangchao liqi tushi ('llustrated Regulations for Ceremonial Paraphernalia of the Qing Dynasty), an imperially commissioned compendium laying out ritual paraphernalian and accessories for the Emperor, his family and civil servants, includes a section on different types of court necklaces, which were an integral component of Qing court attire or ceremonial attire. Worn across the body, court necklaces consisted of up to 108 beads divided by larger beads in different materials, known as fotou, and a gourd-shaped foudouda at the top of the decorated strap worn across the back. In addition, there are three strings of beads known as jinian, extending at the sides. A selection of court necklaces composed of jade, amber and gold beads, among them an identical court necklace composed of carved fruit stones divided by coral beads, all formerly in the Qing Court Collection, is illustrated in Catalogue of the Exhibition of Ch'ing Dynasty Costume Accessories, Taipei, 1986, cat.nos. 54-58.