Zhang Yaqin

When actress Zhang Yaqin (张雅钦) appeared at a recent event wearing Tang-style Hanfu, her fans instantly recognized the look from her role as a county princess in the television drama. The online conversation quickly focused on one particular detail: the absence of a distinctive neck ornament she wore in the series. This piece of jewelry, far more than a simple accessory, is a Yingluo (璎珞), an artifact with a story woven through centuries of Chinese history, art, and spiritual belief. More Than Jewelry The term Yingluo itself originates from words meaning "jade," and it refers to a specific type of beaded necklace. Traditionally, it was not a single strand but a lavish, multi-layered piece, often described as a "many-treasures" ornament. It was crafted from a brilliant array of materials including gold, silver, jade, pearls, amber, and vibrant gemstones like coral and lapis lazuli. This composition was deeply symbolic, representing the accumulation of worldly virtues and spiritual merits. In Buddhist iconography, the Yingluo holds profound significance as a symbol of "immeasurable light." Statues of Guanyin (观音) and other revered figures are frequently adorned with intricate versions of it, serving as a form of spiritual adornment. The Vimalakirti Sutra vividly describes deities…