What is huzhi, or How the problem of long nails was solved in medieval China

Owners of long nails with manicure know well how difficult it is to preserve their beauty in everyday life. This problem is not new and it was encountered in ancient times. Centuries ago in China, long well-groomed nails were a sign of an aristocrat. They were given a special, sacred meaning, cherished and cherished. In order to protect the nails from accidents, huzhi — precious cases were used.

In China, a lot of beliefs and signs were associated with nails. It was believed that nails connect a person with the subtle world, make him closer to the divine powers and emphasize his wisdom. Only the elite could afford long nails, that is, those who were not engaged in physical labor. The emperor had the longest and most well-groomed nails, because their beauty and health were monitored by a whole team of concubines. For any mistake, the girls could pay with their lives.

At the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, which occupied the throne of China from 1644 to 1912, huzhi were invented. They were created by jewelers specifically to preserve the long nails of aristocrats, including the emperor. The word "huzhi" also translates simply as "finger protection". But this protection was special.

Huzhi performed not only a protective role, but were also an exquisite jewel of its owner. They were made of gold and silver, covered with filigree carvings and inlaid with precious metals. The richer a person was, the more valuable his huji were and the more such cases he could order for himself for all occasions.

Since the length of the nail could reach an incredible 15 cm, the cases were made of considerable sizes in reserve. Many interesting examples of these ornaments have survived to this day. The heyday of fashion for such accessories falls on the second half of the 17th century. It was then that the most precious products were created. Since each set of huzhi was made individually, to order, they are all different.

Today, Chinese huzhi are as popular collectibles as porcelain vases. Some samples belonging to famous people are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.