19th C Chinese Jade Butterfly Necklace Late Qing

An auspicious well-carved pale green jade plaque that has been repurposed into an Art Nouveau necklace during the very early 20th Century.

The jade is pierced and carved to resemble a butterfly. The carving is accurate and artistically done. The jade does not scratch with steel and has weight with a nice pale green jade color. It is translucent with clouds and a few dark inclusions. The butterfly has a florid mount attaching two chains which end at a round lever clasp. The metal on the mount and chain is not silver.

Pendant is 2 7/8” (7.3 cm) wide 1 7/8” (4.8 cm) tall. Hangs 12” (26.9 cm)

Weighs 1.3 oz (35 g)

The bottom apexes of both wings are missing. The metal attachment at the bottom of the wings was either done to hide the damage or the damage was done while fitting the mount. The mount itself is of a floral Art Nouveau design.

A colorful, intricate necklace circa 1900 that has repurposed an older Chinese jade. I love the butterfly shape with the Art Nouveau mount.