Chinese
Belt Buckle, 18th - 19th century, Qing Dynasty, 1644 - 1911/12
Not on view
Jade
Dimensions1 5/8 × 4 7/8 × 7/8 in. (4.1 × 12.4 × 2.2 cm)
Gift of Genevieve and Richard Shaw, 2008.112
Jade belt buckles originally were accessories worn only by court officials. They were given by emperors and were symbols of supreme honor. In the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), jade buckles no longer served as an indicator of official rank, but as fashion accessories that represented social status, wealth, and sophisticated taste.
