International Art and Artifact Catalogue

[Wu Han]

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TITLE: A carved wood beaded bracelet
ARTIST: Unknown
YEAR: c. 1200
TYPE: Bracelet
OWNER/COLLECTION: Jianxiao Emperor Shrine
LOCATION: Yi'an Village, Min Province, Indrala
VALUATION: Materially estimated at $8,400, total value estimated at $600,000-$1,000,000

OVERVIEW: This piece was produced in the Beiyidom of Fehua around the year 1200. The piece is comprised of eighteen reticulated wood beads, each carved with figures amongst landscapes, two amber and three carnelian agate beads, all strung into a bracelet.

The bracelet was gifted to Prince Jianlong on the occasion of his guan li (coming-of-age) ceremony by his younger sister, Princess Fengmian. In 4309, Prince Jianlong gave the bracelet to tenant farmers in Yi'an, Min Province, encouraging them to sell it in exchange for much-needed funds. The villagers alternatively placed it in a shrine constructed to pray for the Prince.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on Jun 20, 2018.