Very small gilt silver hairpin in openwork decorated with Plum flowers of which the five petals represent the Five Blessings (see 4093), Chrysanthemums (Longevity) and an Endless Knot (Happiness & Long Life). All three in fact symbolize Longevity. The workmanship on this tiny gem is very fine. The hallmark counts three characters but we can only decipher the first and the last one Lao Yu (老玉). It dates from the end of the Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length 7.7 cm. Width 1.6 cm. Depth 0.4 cm.