The decoration of this silver gilt hairpin consists of a large mansion with an elegant lady at the top of a staircase and two servants waving cool air with huge fans on long sticks. Two other figures at the bottom of the staircase seems to be chatting. Brushes with plum blossoms and chrysanthemums grow on both sides of the building. A Plum blossom has five petals which represent the Five Blessings, 'Old age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death' while chrysanthemum flowers symbolize Longevity because of the health-giving properties of the plant. The back is formed by curling floral designs in filigree. The pin is not completely stable. The skillful goldsmith who created this detailed hairpin tried to imitate hairpins dating from the Ming period. However, this one is not an antique. 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. Total length 14 cm. Width 5.5 cm. Height 6.6 cm. Depth with pin 1.1 cm. Depth without pin 0.5 cm. Weight 27 grams.