Silver hairpin in the shape of a monk’s staff. This ‘alarm-staff’ or ‘Hikele’ with its tinkling rings was used by itinerant monks who, by tapping it on the ground, tried to warn small animals to prevent stepping on them as it is a Buddhist rule not to take the life of any creature. The hairpin is of a nice quality but not marked. Three leaves and an unknown object dangle from fine chain. Is the unknown object perhaps a simple depiction of a pumpkin symbolizing a wish for many sons? And are the leaves perhaps Mugwort leaves that have medicinal properties (see 3379) which prolong life? The hairpin dates from the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Length 11.1 cm. Width 1.7 cm.