Art Nouveau Coral and Kingfisher Necklace

This strikingly unique necklace from the Art Nouveau-era is an elegant and impressive example of the Chinese art form known as tian-tsui. Tian-tsui refers to the decoration of metalwork with the azure, iridescent feathers of the Kingfisher bird. The technique has been deployed in China for centuries, though very few examples remain in the pristine condition you see here because the feathers disintegrate over time or become damaged and are torn away from the metal. Here, a silver butterfly with bright blue and soft emerald-green wings is suspended by three spheres, most likely representing luck-infused coins, is suspended from a 20″ strand composed of 76 barrel-shaped natural precious coral beads in an almost-ripe tomato color. A silver clasp enameled with vivid blue cobalt finishes the piece. The silver has not been polished, which is most likely the reason this piece survives in such fine condition. There is faint evidence of gold leaf still clinging to the silver in several areas. The butterfly measures approximately 61mm wide by 33mm tall; 52mm including the three coins. For the collector of Asian art, Art Nouveau jewelry or anyone with a penchant for butterflies, this piece would make a fine and quite wearable contribution to your collection.