1930-1950 Chinese Export Silver Filigree & Carved Jadeite Brooch

$175.00
A finely worked Chinese export brooch featuring a hand-carved jadeite plaque set within an intricate silver filigree frame. The reverse retains its original pin assembly and is stamped “SILVER / MADE IN CHINA.” This Chinese export brooch centers on a translucent jadeite plaque carved in low relief, displaying soft celadon tones with vivid emerald-green inclusions. The jade carving depicts a recumbent auspicious beast holding a ball, rendered with simplified yet expressive contours. The jade is framed in an ornate silver filigree mount composed of tightly coiled wirework and scrolling motifs, characteristic of mid-century Chinese export silver. The reverse features a pierced silver backplate and extended pin stem with a simple catch. The back is clearly stamped “SILVER” above “MADE IN CHINA,” indicating manufacture for the Western export market, most likely circa 1930s–1950s. The two small holes on either side of the jade plaque are not decorative and not needed for the brooch mount. They pre-date the silver setting and indicate an earlier functional use where the jade was lashed or sewn in place. This tells us the jade carving did not originate as jewelry and most likely had an original use as a garment ornament: Qing-period clothing ornament, possibly a child’s protective charm sewn to clothing. The recumbent lion with brocade ball is exactly the kind of subject used this way. The carved figure represents a Buddhist lion (often called a fu lion or shishi), shown reclining with a brocaded ball: -Fu Lion / Shishi – A traditional guardian creature symbolizing protection, strength, and good fortune. Though often depicted in pairs in sculpture, single lions are common in jewelry and decorative arts. -Ball (绣球, brocade ball) – Symbolizes power, wisdom, unity, and control over fortune. In some interpretations, it also represents the “jewel of knowledge” or mastery over the world. The relaxed, recumbent posture conveys contained power and benevolent guardianship, making this a particularly appealing and wearable form of the motif. Materials & Construction: -Hand-carved jadeite plaque -Silver filigree frame and backplate -Traditional pin-back construction -Clearly marked SILVER / MADE IN CHINA Condition Very good vintage condition. The jade shows natural inclusions and minor surface variations consistent with hand carving. Silver exhibits light age-appropriate patina, enhancing the depth of the filigree work. Pin assembly functions properly. Please see other silver jewelry here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=16957559 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg
A finely worked Chinese export brooch featuring a hand-carved jadeite plaque set within an intricate silver filigree frame. The reverse retains its original pin assembly and is stamped “SILVER / MADE IN CHINA.” This Chinese export brooch centers on a translucent jadeite plaque carved in low relief, displaying soft celadon tones with vivid emerald-green inclusions. The jade carving depicts a recumbent auspicious beast holding a ball, rendered with simplified yet expressive contours. The jade is framed in an ornate silver filigree mount composed of tightly coiled wirework and scrolling motifs, characteristic of mid-century Chinese export silver. The reverse features a pierced silver backplate and extended pin stem with a simple catch. The back is clearly stamped “SILVER” above “MADE IN CHINA,” indicating manufacture for the Western export market, most likely circa 1930s–1950s. The two small holes on either side of the jade plaque are not decorative and not needed for the brooch mount. They pre-date the silver setting and indicate an earlier functional use where the jade was lashed or sewn in place. This tells us the jade carving did not originate as jewelry and most likely had an original use as a garment ornament: Qing-period clothing ornament, possibly a child’s protective charm sewn to clothing. The recumbent lion with brocade ball is exactly the kind of subject used this way. The carved figure represents a Buddhist lion (often called a fu lion or shishi), shown reclining with a brocaded ball: -Fu Lion / Shishi – A traditional guardian creature symbolizing protection, strength, and good fortune. Though often depicted in pairs in sculpture, single lions are common in jewelry and decorative arts. -Ball (绣球, brocade ball) – Symbolizes power, wisdom, unity, and control over fortune. In some interpretations, it also represents the “jewel of knowledge” or mastery over the world. The relaxed, recumbent posture conveys contained power and benevolent guardianship, making this a particularly appealing and wearable form of the motif. Materials & Construction: -Hand-carved jadeite plaque -Silver filigree frame and backplate -Traditional pin-back construction -Clearly marked SILVER / MADE IN CHINA Condition Very good vintage condition. The jade shows natural inclusions and minor surface variations consistent with hand carving. Silver exhibits light age-appropriate patina, enhancing the depth of the filigree work. Pin assembly functions properly. Please see other silver jewelry here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=16957559 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg