Kim Khánh - Imperial Order of Merit, Royal Necklace, Nguyễn Dynasty Pendant
History:
Kim Khánh (Lit. Golden Chime) was a prestigious order of merit awarded by the emperor to high-ranking officials of the Nguyễn Dynasty and also worn by the imperial family at times. The decoration usually consists of a golden plaque in the shape of a Chinese instrument known as the qing (磬, sounding stone). Lavish designs of dragons, clouds, unicorns, or lions would be chiseled on its faces. Attached underneath the plaque is the Kim Tòng (Golden Tassel) — a colorful jewelry piece composed of numerous gemstones, beads, and pearls intricately connected and embroidered into shapes such as batwings or clouds.
At the center of the plaques were inscriptions that indicate the grade of the order (e.g. 大項金磬 / Đại Hạng Kim khánh / Great Class Golden Chime"). On the opposite of the plaque, another inscription displays the name of the awarder and a description of the awarded grade (同慶 敕賜 - 報義酬勳/ Đồng Khánh sắc tứ - Báo nghĩa thù huân / Awarded by Đồng Khánh - Show gratitude and return the benefits).
Initially, the order only had two grades and was reserved only for high-ranking Vietnamese mandarins. But later it was expanded to four grades for Vietnamese Mandarin and three grades for French officials and foreigners.
To learn more about the historical Kim Khánh or search for historical inscriptions, please visit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Khanh
Product Details:
Our pendants are made from wood or acrylic and are hand-painted. The sample pendant is based on a historical Kim Khánh titled "一項 金 磬 / First Grade Kim Khánh". These pendants are highly customizable for any occasion and are best worn with áo dài. When ordering, be sure to pay attention to the customizable options. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or requests regarding this order.
- Plaque: approx. ~3.75" W x 2.25" L
- Complete Length: approx. ~ 8.5"
- Wood or Acrylic
- Laser-cut & handpainted
- Gloss protective finish
- Red thread and/or tassels