Hairpin, one of a pair, 18th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Goldexpand_more
Gift of Mrs. Charles S. Pillsbury, Phillip Winston Pillsbury, Mary Stinson Pillsbury Lord, Katherine Stevens Pillsbury McKee and Helen Winston Pillsbury Becker in memory of Charles S. Pillsburyexpand_more 51.27.34.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
Gold ornaments, often set with gemstones like pearls, rubies, garnets and jade, were popular women's accessories during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These hairpins, earrings and pendants nearly always represented auspicious flowers, animals or insects. Included were the dragon and phoenix with their reference to nobility, bats for happiness, the deer and fungus for long life, dragonflies for summer, pomegranates for fertility, various birds, squirrels and even crabs for good luck. Most of these objects were intended as hair ornaments; others were parts of elaborate gold burial crowns meant to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
Details
- Title
- Hairpin, one of a pair
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 51.27.34.1
- Curator Approved
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