1970s Post-Mao Yellow Jade Necklace

This 1970s vintage Chinese export necklace is a rare artifact from a pivotal moment in modern history. The pendant, a finely hand-carved persimmon fruit rendered in warm yellow nephrite jade, reflects the quiet return of traditional artistry following a decade of cultural erasure. During Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, artists were banned, workshops were shuttered, and centuries-old techniques were driven underground. Traditional motifs like this, rich in symbolism and tied to heritage, were forbidden.

In the years immediately after Mao’s death, a small number of artisans began cautiously reviving their craft. This piece emerged during that brief and fragile opening. Its dual-sided carving and refined detail are hallmarks of old-world skill reasserting itself after repression.

Far more than decorative, this necklace is a testament to the enduring power of beauty under authoritarian rule. For serious collectors, it offers not just aesthetic value, but also historical significance, a rare convergence of material excellence, political importance, and cultural endurance.

32" (30" plus the 2-inch pendant)
113 grams. (4 oz)

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