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A Chinese kingfisher feather floral hair pin on gilded brass

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear for this item

 

SIZE: 5½ x 2½ ins decorative part 2 ins (14 x 6 x 5 cm)

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1900s

 

MATERIALS: gilded brass, kingfisher feather

 

DESCRIPION:

 

Here is a very beautiful Chinese antique hair pin in a traditional leaf and floral design. The foundation of the ornament is in polished brass with two long straight tines to hold it firmly in the hair. The design is formed into cells which are intricately laid with kingfisher feathers.

 

One issue with this kind of hair accessory is that they are extremely delicate and are seldom found in perfect condition. This one is in fairly good condition. With only minor wear.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:

 

During the Qing dynasty in China high ranking ladies favoured a large elaborate hair pins which were often decorated with kingfisher feathers. These ornaments were usually made of gilded brass, the most commonly used patterns being flower sprays and various animals such as butterflies, bats and sea birds. The ornaments were made with small cells, similar to those found in Western enamel jewellery. However instead of enamel the spaces were filled with tiny cut out pieces of the beautiful iridescent blue kingfisher feathers.

 

The feathers were painstakingly cut to exact size to fit separate metal sections, and carefully attached with thin adhesive so they retained brilliant colour and iridescence. This jewel like mosaic was often combined with semi precious materials such as pearls, jade, coral and turquoise. In the lesser pieces glass jewels and faux pearl beads were used.