Miao Necklace Counterbalance All which is produced by layering

which is produced by layering handmade mulberry paper and soaking it in fermented persimmon juice (known as kakishibu)

the piece reflects the humble character of Edo-period folk wares

Once created

Scrolls like this were rotated through the home's tokonoma alcove with the seasons

Miao Necklace Counterbalance All which is produced by layeringThe Dong and Miao people of southern China began melting down standardized silver to make jewelry starting around the 14th Century. Their work is as distinctive as it is beautiful. Unmarried Miao women might wear up to 20 lbs of jewelry at festivals, and a counterweight like this one made it easier for women to wear their jewelry without affecting their balance. The knobbed form of this particular counterbalance is unusual; typically these take the