Description:

**Originally Listed At $500**

East Asia, Southern China, Hmong / Miao peoples, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A vintage torque or collar necklace made from hollow baitong crescents that terminate in thick wire spirals. A wrapped wire conical button forms the hook and eye clasp. The metal composition: nickel, copper, and zinc is a naturally occurring ore in China that has forms an alloy known as baitong, paktong, or white copper. It closely resembles silver and was first used in China for coinage and jewelry as an alternative to silver. The red wax stamp is the original Chinese certified export approval seal. Crescent shaped necklaces like this are sometimes known as xauv, the Hmong word for "lock," from when they were persecuted and forced to wear necklaces for identification during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today the necklaces are worn in remembrance of their ancestor's past hardships. Size: 11" Diameter x 5.25" W (27.9 cm x 13.3 cm)

Provenance: Cultural Patina Gallery, Burke, Virginia, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#188199

  • Condition: Dark patina and toning throughout. White oxidation in areas. Indentations and abrasions to the surface, but otherwise intact. Wax export stamp on surface.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

December 29, 2025 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Buyer's Premium
$1 - $249,999:
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$250,000+:
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500