Cinnabar Bangles Appraisal

Carved Red Cinnabar-Style Bangles (Set of 3)

The item consists of three distinct red bangles, likely made from carved cinnabar lacquer or a similar resinous material designed to mimic cinnabar. Each bangle is circular with a consistent, narrow band thickness. The vibrant red color is uniform across all three pieces. A dominant distinguishing feature is the intricate, detailed carving that covers the entire exterior surface of each bangle. The carvings appear to be floral or foliate motifs, characterized by numerous small, swirling, and overlapping patterns that create a textured, raised relief. The designs are consistent in their complexity across all three bangles, suggesting they are a matched set. The craftsmanship indicates either hand-carving or a very skillful mold-making process, given the depth and clarity of the patterns, which are typical of Chinese cinnabar artwork. There are no obvious signs of significant damage like chips, cracks, or large abrasions visible in the provided image, though minor surface wear commensurate with age and use may be present but is not discernible. The bangles appear to be solid, with a smooth interior not visible in the image. The overall impression is one of quality and decorative appeal, suggesting they are either antique or vintage pieces, potentially from the early to mid-20th century, given the traditional carving style. No manufacturing marks or signatures are visible. The size appears to be standard for a wrist bangle, held comfortably in a person's hand.