Rare, Original Chinese Mandarin's Belt, c1880

It is very rare to find an original Mandarin’s belt and this is a quality example. The actual belt is of a firm deep blue woven fabric which is fastened with a gilded metal buckle inset with Peking glass – the three pieces of Peking glass with gilt frames comprising a central green oval piece with a pinkish panel on either side. This belt would have held a collection of ceremonial purses and pouches such as examples that are currently available on this site. The condition is very good for age – there may be a very fine hairline fault in one of the pink glass panels but this cannot be felt and is really visible only with magnification. This is a rare and very desirable fashion accessory that would add lustre to any collection of Oriental textiles and fashion. Ex-collection Linda Wrigglesworth. Total length approximately 37 ins (94cm). Weight 60 grams.