Era: Qing Dynasty
Region: Hebei
Dimensions: Diameter 7 cm
Weight: 65 grams
This bracelet features silver-gilt craftsmanship adorned with a motif of the endless knot and longevity symbols. The endless knot, a common auspicious symbol in jewelry, mimics a woven rope, symbolizing eternity and continuity. In folklore, it represents the wish for family prosperity, the continuation of descendants, and the transmission of wealth and good fortune through generations. Historical evidence suggests the endless knot pattern was used as early as the Han and Wei periods. This bracelet showcases a design of interconnected circular endless knots, a common motif in daily life. Bats, abbreviated as "fu" in Chinese, are homophones with "fu" (fortune), symbolizing good luck, prosperity, longevity, and happiness. Thus, the motif signifies long-lasting fortune, family prosperity, and endless blessings.
Detailed Description
This bracelet, with its unique silver-gilt craftsmanship, skillfully blends traditional and modern aesthetics, making it not only a stunning piece of jewelry but also a work of art imbued with profound cultural significance. The endless knot and longevity motifs on the bracelet are common auspicious symbols in jewelry design, offering both visual appeal and deep-seated meanings and blessings.
The endless knot, an ancient decorative element mimicking the form of a woven rope, symbolizes "eternity and infinity" with its continuous and cyclical nature. In folklore, the endless knot is widely used in various decorations, especially in jewelry design. It is more than just a pattern choice; it is an emotional and wishful expression. By wearing jewelry with the endless knot motif, people express their deep wishes for family prosperity, continuity of descendants, and the transmission of wealth and good fortune through generations. This wish reflects not only a personal aspiration for a beautiful life but also a hope for the prosperity and flourishing of the entire family.
Historical evidence indicates that the endless knot pattern dates back to the Han and Wei periods. Its long history and widespread use testify to its significant place in Chinese culture. On this bracelet, the interconnected circular endless knots not only showcase the exquisite traditional craftsmanship but also reflect the designer’s deep understanding and innovative interpretation of traditional culture. The circular shape, symbolizing completeness and harmony in Chinese culture, combined with the endless knot's infinite meaning, enhances the auspicious symbolism of the bracelet.
The bat motif on the bracelet cleverly connects the homophones "bat" (蝠) and "fortune" (福), imbuing the piece with the rich connotation of "good fortune." In Chinese culture, bats have always been symbols of good luck and happiness, representing all good things like fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness. The combination of bats and endless knots not only achieves visual harmony but also perfects the blend of meanings – long-lasting fortune, family prosperity, and endless blessings – as if these beautiful wishes are encapsulated within the bracelet, accompanying the wearer in daily life.
On a deeper level, this bracelet embodies not only the pursuit of personal well-being but also the traditional Chinese values of "harmony" and "continuity." The endless knot’s symbolism of "infinity" expresses the deep wish for life’s continuity and family inheritance; the bat’s representation of "fortune" reflects the aspiration for social harmony and family unity. Against this cultural backdrop, the bracelet is not merely an accessory; it is a cultural carrier, connecting the past and the future, conveying timeless wisdom and blessings.
In summary, this silver-gilt bracelet, with its unique endless knot and bat motifs, showcases the charm of traditional craftsmanship and profoundly reflects the Chinese people's aspiration for a good life and their wish for family and societal harmony and prosperity. It is a work of art and a storyteller, through which we can feel the cultural resonance that transcends time and space, along with the infinite hope and expectation for the future.
References:
- “Exquisite Hundred Longevity Chart, Wishing You Health and Longevity” by Shaolin Internal Power One Finger Zen, February 13, 2021.
- “The National Treasure is Here! Unique Phenomenon of Longevity Culture in the Chinese Nation – ‘Hundred Longevity Chart’” by Hui Xin’s Historical Journey, January 18, 2023.
- “New Openings in Anshan Museum’s Weaving and Embroidery Hall” by Sina, July 5, 2024.
- “What Does a Non-Heritage Masterpiece Made with 108 Procedures Look Like? Come to the National Center for the Performing Arts to Appreciate the Yanjing Eight Musts” by Beijing Daily Client, July 8, 2024.
