The Dong and Miao people of southern China began melting down standardized silver to make jewelry starting around the 14^th 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 form of a two-dimensional S shape.

Scholars contend that silver is used to ward off evil in the Miao culture. Further, the spirals represent the interminable essence of life.

7 inches width x 4 depth x 5 height (7 inches height with stand)

19th/20th century