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China 19th c. gilded bronze 6.5" wide x 3.25" deep x 8" high |
 Detail: side view A rare 19th century gilt bronze tiara from China. It is crafted from bronze alloy wire and sheeting which was gilded with gold. At the top of the tiara is a flower pot with blooming plants. Flanking on either side are a pair of deer, each holding in its mouth the magical lingzhi fungus of immortality. Deer indicated a wish for long life and a pair of them together indicated marital fidelity. The forehead band supports five phoenix crafted in three dimensions. Chinese phoenix were a symbol of joy and peace and feminine virtue. Each phoenix holds in its mouth a strand of hand-worked gilt links and charms. This tiara would originally been owned by a lady of great wealth. Detail: alternate view |
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