Exhibited Qing Dynasty Star Sapphire Pendant Feline

$4,495.00

In stock

Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 18th century CE. A captivating and unusually large carved star sapphire pendant, its deep blue surface animated by a feline figure coiled protectively around a rounded form, the composition both intimate and monumental in miniature. The stone, weighing an impressive 54.7 grams (274 carats), is remarkable not only for its scale but for the richness of its color and the subtle internal silk that gives rise to the coveted star effect under light. The feline, likely a stylized cat or mythical beast, is rendered in low relief with softly modeled limbs and a curling tail that arcs across the surface, guiding the eye toward the central mass. Its features are gently defined – rounded ears, a compact muzzle, and tucked limbs – conveying a sense of quiet vigilance. A drilled aperture at the top suggests its function as a pendant, allowing the substantial gemstone to be worn despite its weight. Size of pendant: 1.85″ L x 1.323″ W x 1.588″ H (2.2 cm x 3.4 cm x 4 cm); weight: 54.7 grams (274 carats).

The carving takes full advantage of the sapphire’s natural form, the rounded volume serving as both body and ground, while the polished surface reveals a network of fine inclusions typical of star sapphires. In Qing dynasty lapidary work, such stones were prized for their luminous depth and symbolic associations with protection, strength, and celestial harmony. Rare in both size and stone, this pendant stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Chinese artisans, transforming a gemstone of exceptional scale into a sculptural object that balances material presence with refined, tactile design.

Condition: Minor scuffs and scratches on sapphire with small chip to reverse. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remaining detail. Wearable as a pendant.

Provenance: private Orlando, Florida, USA collection, acquired in Southern Florida, USA, 1993 – 1997, collection exhibited at Rollins Museum of Art (formerly Cornell Fine Arts Museum) at Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, USA, in 1997

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 purchases.

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