Belt Buckle with Wild Goose Design
Yuan (1271-1368) to Ming Dynasties
Jade
11.2cm long and 6.2cm wide
This ovoid belt buckle is carved in translucent white jade. The obverse side depicts in layered openwork a wild goose scurrying through the reeds of a lotus pond. The reverse side is fitted with a rectangular jade frame of a scepter and cloud design in low relief and two inlaid copper clasps for fastening a leather belt.
The decorative motifs here are related to the hunting traditions of the Hsien-pei clan and the Nvchen Tartars. Histories of the Liao (916-1125) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties record that the emperor would lead his ministers to an encampment on the banks.
Cloisonné Enamel Vessel with Stand in Form of a Heavenly Rooster
Qing Dynasty
Overall height: 25.8 cm, Mouth Diameter: 9.0 cm, Weight: about 3,535g
This Zun, which takes its form from a traditional wine container, is made of gilded copper covered with cloisonné enamel. With dragon-shaped handles, the vessel rests on a standing heavenly rooster raising its head. Its wings embrace the vessel, while the feet are designed as two open-work wheels. The rooster has feather-like patterns and is a legendary auspicious bird.
Emperor Qianglong's Summer Crown
Qing Dynasty
14cm high and 28cm wide
The crown was designed for Emperor Qianlong to wear in summer when receiving reports from the mandarins and dealing with government affairs. The body of the crown was made of a special weed that could help dispel summer heat. The top was decorated with 15 precious pearls called Dongzhu from northeastern China and a gold Buddha figure, an item of privilege exclusively granted to the emperors.
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