news + notes
The Enigmatic Allure of Liangzhu Jades BY SOTHEBY’S | JUL 19, 2019 Located in China’s lower Yangtze River Basin, the Liangzhu archaeological site shares its name with the Neolithic culture of the greater area, and was the location of the first documented findings of distinctive artefacts now considered characteristic of these communities. These man-made mounds were discovered in 1936, and subsequent excavations over the decades have led to the unearthing of more burial complexes and impressive ritual objects of jades, stones, pottery and other ceremonial tools. While this trove evokes the presence of a bygone culture, some objects still remain shrouded in mystery. Liangzhu is considered one of the two most important Neolithic jade cultures in China, marked by the development of principal jade forms. Cong tubes, bi discs, yue axes and other ornaments were discovered close to the entombed dead, which suggests a special function in burial rites. Many of the ornaments, utensils, vessels and tools point to the importance of farming, fishing and hunting as a way of life, while the works of sophisticated jade craftsmanship are remnants of highly stratified social structures and religious practices. read entire story at sothebys.com
Rocking Wimbledon: History of the Tennis Bracelet BY ASHLEY FLIGHT | JUL 19, 2019 As Wimbledon, the most exclusive sporting event of the summer, quickly approaches Sotheby’s Diamonds takes a look at the chicest way to accessorise your centre court attire: the tennis bracelet. Its history is one immortalised by world-ranked tennis star Chris Evert in 1987 during the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. An accomplished athlete, Evert won eighteen Grand Slam single tournaments in her career, including three Wimbledon Championships. Known for her chic on-court attire of delicate lace dresses and elegant accessories, “The Ice Maiden” was one of the most talked about style stars. Her signature accessory was an eternity bracelet: a flexible, serpentine design of diamonds that provided flexibility even while landing her opponent a perfectly placed backhand shot. Popular in the 1920s, this elegant bracelet was worn by fashionable women at the time, who would stack them in multiples on their wrists. During an exceptionally long rally in the 1987 Grand Slam, Chris’s diamond eternity bracelet snapped mid-game. Refusing to continue playing until her bracelet was recovered, officials halted the game till, at last, it was found. The elegant bracelet immediately gained notoriety; jewellers everywhere began receiving requests for diamond “tennis bracelets.” Despite the bracelet’s name throughout history, its timeless and classic design are sure to been seen from the grandstands of Wimbledon this year. read entire story at sothebys.com
second quarter 2019 |
insight
15