Storyline

A New Attribute in Qing Court Dress

Necklaces like this one made a sudden appearance in the dress of emperors and high officials at the Qing court in the early years of the dynasty (1636-1911). It was not adopted from the dress of Chinese officials, and it was not a Manchu attribute. What purpose did it serve, and where did it so suddenly come from?

Credits

A story by Juul Eijk.