Mid-Century Chinese Export 'Cinnabar Style' Black Onyx Bead Necklace & Earring Suite

Mid-Century Chinese Export 'Cinnabar Style' Onyx Necklace and matching earrings featuring a wood core, red lacquer and onyx jewellery set comprising a 48cm long hand knotted graduated necklace with onyx beads and vari size hand-carved spherical cinnabar beads, and matching pierced earrings.  The hand-carved beads have variations as expected with hand-carving, and they feature the geometrical Shou design, symbolising longevity.  The necklace closes with a decorative oval (possibly silver) gilt clasp detailed with a central flower and it weighs 48.8g.  The necklace is accompanied by a matching earrings 1.5cm diameter and each with butterfly backs stamped 'SILVER', together they weigh 3.6g.  There is slight wear to a few of the metal spacer beads, but otherwise very good condition.

The cinnabar (red) and onyx (black) combination is classically harmonious. Red represents Fire, joy, luck, vitality, and protection from evil.  Black represents Water, depth, and grounding. The pairing echoes traditional Chinese lacquer aesthetics (red and black) and the balance of yang (active/red) and yin (receptive/black).  In short, black symbolises power, depth, Water, and yin energy, while black onyx is seen as a protective, grounding stone.  The overall combination therefore reads culturally as a wish for a long life filled with good fortune and balanced strength, a classic and desirable set of auspicious meanings for mid-century Chinese export jewellery.

This classic mid-20th century (likely 1960s) Chinese lacquerware set is made in the traditional 'cinnabar' style (multiple hand carved layers of deep vermilion lacquer built up over a wood core).  The vibrant red symbolises good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. The pieces show good craftsmanship with consistent carving depth and glossy finish.

Note: Modern 'cinnabar' jewellery is typically safe layered lacquer/resin.