Advanced Search 
A Miao artist in southwest China made this torque using silver wire cleverly twisted into swirling, interlacing loops in the front and rope-like wrappings in the back with a hook and eye clasp. Its design attests to the inventiveness of the Miao silversmiths. In the Miao culture, silver protects against illness and misfortune. It is a form of family savings and represents a certain status. The Miao have about fifty different kinds of jewelry, produced in silver or baitong, an alloy of zinc, nickel, and copper that originated in China. A complete set of jewelry worn at ceremonies and festivals can weigh up to twenty pounds; this necklace alone weighs nearly two pounds.
Woman's necklace
Chinese (Miao, Guizhou)
1920s
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
Overall: 27.3 x 29.2 x 7.6 cm (10 3/4 x 11 1/2 x 3 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Jacqueline Loewe Fowler
Accession Number2010.1371
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Necklaces and neck bands
A Miao artist in southwest China made this torque using silver wire cleverly twisted into swirling, interlacing loops in the front and rope-like wrappings in the back with a hook and eye clasp. Its design attests to the inventiveness of the Miao silversmiths. In the Miao culture, silver protects against illness and misfortune. It is a form of family savings and represents a certain status. The Miao have about fifty different kinds of jewelry, produced in silver or baitong, an alloy of zinc, nickel, and copper that originated in China. A complete set of jewelry worn at ceremonies and festivals can weigh up to twenty pounds; this necklace alone weighs nearly two pounds.
DescriptionHeavy silver necklace with swirling and interwrining looping at front and rope-like wrappings in the back with hook and eye-like clasp at center back.
ProvenanceBy 2009, collection of Michael Playford, London; December 10, 2009, sold by Playford to Jacqueline Fowler, Stanford, CT, through Heritage Auction Galleries, New York sale, lot 73010; 2010, year-end gift of Fowler to the MFA. (Accession date: January 26, 2011)