Cloud Collar | 凰彩結雲霞

Material: Tasmanian-made 100% cotton paper, Thailand monigami paper, and acrylic paint.
 
Assembly:  Cotton thread with sewing machine, adhesive, metal chain and metal eyelet 
 
Closure: Metal paper prong. 
 
This decorative piece draws direct inspiration from the opulent apparel of the Qing Dynasty, where women of stature wore these distinctive garments layered over their formal dresses purely for aesthetic purposes. Historically, the intricate design and luxurious materials incorporated into a cloud collar could serve as a visual indicator of a woman's social standing and family affluence.
This particular piece offers a contemporary artistic interpretation of the traditional form while still thoughtfully honoring significant oriental symbolism. For example, the prominently featured green bat at the front of the collar is a well-established symbol of money, wealth, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Additionally, the inclusion of the Chinese kanji character "福" (fu’) meticulously placed in the center of the design directly signifies "blessedness," conveying wishes of good fortune to the wearer.
 
Adding a unique and dynamic element of movement and visual interest, the collar showcases a total of twenty individually hand-painted phoenixes, each rendered on its own separate panel, allowing for subtle shifts and reflections of light. Turning to the back of the collar, you'll find the elegant Chinese kanji "壽" (sou’) which carries the profound meaning of "longevity," thoughtfully inscribed. This is further enhanced by the presence of a Taoist symbol, traditionally believed to offer its wearer spiritual protection from harm and ensure a long and healthy life.
 
Price: $1388