This silver gilt hairpin is a real ‘tour de force’. The artisan who made it must have spent many hours soldering together two airy pavilions with open doors. Small human figures stand in each door opening and flowering shrubs cover the outside walls. The two pavilions rest on a lobed and fenced tray which consists of dozens of filigree flowers in the shape of chrysanthemums. The chrysanthemum flower is a symbol for 'Forever' (yongjiu 永久), and refers to 'Longevity', because of the similarity in pronunciation and because of the health giving properties of the plant. The filigree tray rests on an engraved phoenix’s head and a Lingzhi fungus to which a sturdy pin is attached. The phoenix is an auspicious bird which symbolizes a Harmonious Marriage while the Lingzhi fungus represents Longevity. Hairpins, generally known as ‘Fa-zan’ (髮簪) have always been an important symbol in Chinese culture. Women would wear bejeweled silver and gold hairpins to show their social status. The skillful goldsmith who made this absolutely fabulous hairpin managed to create a stunning imitation of a Ming period hairpin but the pin is not antique. Length 14.5 cm. Width 4.3 cm. Height including pin 7.7 cm. Height pavilions 5.1 cm. Weight 53.5 grams.