Thumbnail: poster for the exposition L’Or des Ming – Fastes et beautés de la Chine impériale (14e – 17e siècle) at the Guimet museum. Source: https://www.offi.fr/expositions-musees/musee-guimet-2426/lor-des-ming-97837.html
Chinese history can be sectioned by dynasties, reigning families that ruled after one another, each leaving behind a unique legacy. According to the exposition, the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) is considered to be the “golden age” of Chinese civilization. International trade is encouraged, creating a new social class: the rich merchant. This new wealth made luxurious materials, like silk, more accessible. These expensive products were no longer reserved for aristocrats.
Because of this, aristocrats had to turn to other products to show their wealth: gold jewels, adorned with the precious stones, became a staple for elite women. These jewels were not only intricate and beautiful, but also carried a deeper meaning. Depending on the flower or animal represented, the jewels were thought to bring about luck, prosperity, good health, and more.
I found these jewels so delicate and precise. The craftsmanship necessary to create these pieces is so impressive.
Information from: https://www.guimet.fr/fr/expositions/lor-des-ming
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