Silver hairpin decorated with an embossed Butterfly (Blessings & Happiness) hovering over a chrysanthemum blossom and flanked by two more chrysanthemums (Good Health). The ‘stem’ of the hairpin is engraved with auspicious symbols such as a musical instrument ‘Qin’ which is one of the ‘Four Scholarly Pursuits’, a Flute and a Fan which are attributes of the ‘Eight Immortals’ and some objects which we could not identify. The background is formed by Plum blossoms which represent the Five Blessings, Old Age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. The hairpin is marked on the back with the character ‘Fu’ (夫) which means ‘Man’ and another character which we cannot read. It dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length 16.5 cm. Width 3.2 cm.