Author(s)

Zhang Nannan

Corresponding Author

Zhang Nannan

Abstract

As a part of "hand ornaments" in gold and silver jewelry of ancient China, nail guards have a unique charm and status. The origin of gold and silver nail guards can be traced back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and they became prevalent in the Qing Dynasty. Nail guards were not only a distinctive symbol of women's fashion and treasures but also indicated their identity and status through materials and craftsmanship. Modern women are obsessed with nail decorations, which reflects their aesthetic taste that originated from ancient women who wore gold and silver nail guards hundreds or even thousands of years ago, thus revealing the continuation of women's aesthetics under social and cultural influences.

Keywords

Ancient Chinese nail guards, style evolution, female rights, aesthetic taste