Light-weight gilt silver hairpin of the ‘ruyi-type’ which is decorated with the Heavenly Twins or Hehe Erxian who preside over Happy Marriages. Hanshan and Shide were monks during the Tang dynasty. They are usually depicted with wide grins on their faces. One is usually holding a box (he) and the other one a lotus (he) which are auspicious symbols for marriage. Because they were so cheerful, they became a symbol of Harmony and Unity during the Qing Dynasty. The hairpin is also decorated with a dragon (long) and a phoenix (feng) which are happy omens (longfeng chengxiang). The two represent Good Fortune and Blessings for the emperor and empress. Depicted in between are a Double Happiness character (xi 囍) and two ‘Ruyi’ symbols (as you wish). A butterfly (Blessings & Happiness) embraces the whole scene. The pin is hallmarked and we believe that it mentions the name Tian Hua (天華). The gilding is rubbed. It dates from the end of the Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length 11.4 cm. Width 3.3 cm.