Hand-carved cinnabar ring – Art Deco, ca. 1920

A precious cinnabar ring , hand-carved in the Art Deco style around 1920 , made of bright red lacquered wood. The ring features an impressive, delicate relief and is adjustable in size . A rare piece of jewelry from the transitional period between Art Nouveau and Modernism.

But it's far more than a piece of jewelry—it's a small, wearable work of art. The intricately carved cinnabar inset features a delicate floral motif and is framed by a finely crafted silver filigree setting. The reverse is engraved with "CHINA," typical of export pieces from the period between 1900 and 1930 .

Although the ring isn't hallmarked silver, the reaction upon polishing suggests a silver component—possibly over a brass base. This not only lends the piece a high-quality appearance but also historical depth. Cinnabar has a tradition that dates back thousands of years—the bright red mineral was used in China as early as 3000 BC. Its intense color still represents good luck, vitality, and protection. This ring combines the symbolic power of the material with artisanal precision, making it a fascinating, unique piece in the Art Deco style!