Four Centuries of Silver: Personal Adornment in the Qing Dynasty and After [D.

This volume is filled with beautiful photographs that records a variety of Chinese silver pieces from symbolic locks to fingernail guards. This book explains how the adornment are used in daily and ceremonial life and also interprets the symbols and intricate designs so important to understanding these artifacts. The study of silver pieces also reveals the various Chinese customs and creativity of the Chinese craftsmen. The book not only includes all the basic information that explains everything from different silversmithing techniques to the various types of silver compounds used, but also teaches you how to identify authentic Chinese silver pieces. With a splendid collection of over 1,000 pieces of Chinese silver showcased in this album, this book makes an excellent reference guide.