Temple of Heaven Cinnabar Filigree Bracelet
The intensive carving techniques of these cinnabar ovals are similar to those used thousands of years ago, although the material now contains dyed lacquer instead of mercury. Each floral bead is set within a frame of 24k-gold vermeil filigree, another time-honored and time-consuming jeweler's technique. This bracelet is handmade in Beijing, China, where the cinnabar carvings at the Taoist Temple of Heaven provides inspiration for the artists.
3/4"W x 7 1/2"L.
The earliest examples of carved cinnabar lacquer date back to the Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). A bright red mineral derived from mercury sulfide, cinnabar provides the vibrant color of the seal paste used to sign official documents and works of art in China. It was also the primary ingredient in magical concoctions prepared by ancient Taoist philosophers, who called it "immortal elixir." In lacquer ware, hundreds of layers of cinnabar-dyed resin are applied to a wooden form, which is then carved with extreme care to create three-dimensional designs. Only the most skilled carvers are allowed to work on important pieces, as a single slip of the knife can ruin weeks months of preparation work.
