When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
CHINESE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER DRAGON & FLAMING PEARL BANGLE BRACELET
Exceptional Chinese carved red lacquer bangle featuring two elongated dragons moving through deeply carved cloud formations and surrounding the traditional flaming pearl motif.
This is an unusually detailed piece with substantial hand-work throughout. The exterior is carved in deep, dimensional relief with individually incised dragon scales, facial details, whiskers, flowing cloud forms, layered decorative elements, and numerous fine carving marks visible under magnification.
Close examination of the bracelet shows very fine, closely spaced stratification/layering along portions of the carved field and borders, consistent with the layered construction associated with traditional carved lacquer work. The carving remains red through substantial depth, while darker material can be seen in some of the deepest recesses and natural openings.
The interior is completely finished in smooth red lacquer with a matte-to-satin appearance and subtle hand-applied/brush-like surface variation visible under close magnification.
Based on the construction, visible layering, depth and character of the carving, surface finish, and overall workmanship, I strongly believe this to be genuine traditional Chinese carved cinnabar/red lacquer work.
IMPORTANT MATERIAL NOTE:
The bracelet has not been analyzed by XRF, Raman spectroscopy, or another laboratory method. Therefore, while it is being identified and offered as carved cinnabar lacquer based on its physical characteristics, the exact chemical composition of the historic red pigment has not been scientifically verified.
The exact age is also unverified. Comparable Chinese carved red lacquer/cinnabar dragon bangles have been attributed by antique and jewelry dealers to the late Qing / early 20th-century Chinese export period; however, no definitive date is being guaranteed for this particular bracelet.
DESIGN:
• Pair of elongated Chinese dragons
• Traditional flaming pearl motif
• Deep layered cloud background
• Individually incised scale detailing
• High-relief carved decoration
• Smooth fully lacquered red interior
MEASUREMENTS:
• Outer diameter: approx. 3 1/8\"
• Inner opening diameter: approx. 2 1/2\"
• Width / height: approx. 5/8\" (15.9 mm)
• Weight: 42.54 grams
CONDITION:
Exceptional condition for its age and type.
No chips, cracks, breaks, significant scratches, repairs, or missing carved elements observed. The deeply carved dragon, cloud, and flaming-pearl decoration appears complete and exceptionally well preserved, with crisp relief and fine incised detailing throughout.
The smooth red lacquered interior is also exceptionally clean and intact, retaining its original matte-to-satin surface character.
Minor loose dust or debris may remain within a few of the deepest carved recesses due to the extraordinary depth and complexity of the carving. No aggressive cleaning or polishing has been performed in order to preserve the original surface and finish.
Please review the extensive macro photographs, which show the condition, carving, surface texture, and construction in considerable detail.
A striking and highly detailed piece for collectors of Chinese carved lacquer, cinnabar jewelry, dragon imagery, Chinese export jewelry, Asian decorative arts, and antique or vintage bangles.
Sold exactly as photographed.
