Silver hairpin of the ‘Ruyi-type’ with an embossed bat and coins on the tip which is shaped like a ‘ruyi’ scepter. Ruyi means ‘Everything you wish for’ and a bat (fu) with coins (qian) is a pun for ‘Blessings before your eyes’ (fuzai yanqian). The back of the ‘ruyi’ head is decorated in openwork with one of the Eight Treasures, a Double Coin motive. The nicely detailed pin is engraved with foliage and it is hallmarked. We believe that the name of the silversmith or retailer reads Qing Yun(慶云). It dates from the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Length 15.2 cm. Width 3.1 cm. Depth 1.7 cm.