Gridle with Gold Hook and Phoenix Design - Detail 1

This jade gridle was worn by the wife of Prince Zhuang. It is composed of 1 gold hook, 10 jade ornaments, and 394 jade beads.The inscription on the inside of the gold hook states that this piece was produced by the Silver Bureau in the first month of the first year of the reign of the Hongxi emperor (1424) out of five liang of gold with 85% purity.

The Silver Bureau was one of the 24 offices of the Ming court. It was responsible for the production of gold and silver coins and utensils. Thus, the inscription tells us that this jade girdle was produced by artisans working in the palace. The jade girdles produced in the palace were characterized by customized patterns and shapes and masterful color and craftsmanship.