Miao Necklace Counterbalance All Wood finished in deep urushi

Wood finished in deep urushi to emulate a well-used workshop vessel

Unmarried Miao women might wear up to 20 lbs of jewelry at festivals

A set of five lacquered wood plates for Japanese sweets

Exceptional patina

the piece reflects the humble character of Edo-period folk wares

Miao Necklace Counterbalance All Wood finished in deep urushiThe Dong and Miao people of southern China began melting down standardized silver to make jewelry starting around the 14th Century. Their work is as distinctive as it is beautiful. Unmarried Miao women might wear up to 20 lbs of jewelry at festivals, and a counterweight like this one made it easier for women to wear their jewelry without affecting their balance. The knobbed form of this particular counterbalance is unusual; typically these take the