Flat silver hairpin decorated with a grotesque Butterfly (Blessings & Happiness) and two Chrysanthemum blossoms on each side. In front of the Butterfly is an engraved coin (Wealth). Also engraved on the ‘stem’ are a Peony flower (Wealth & Honour) and a flower of which we think that it is a Lotus (Continuous Harmony). This would make sense as these three flowers are often seen together in Chinese art. The hairpin is marked with three characters of which we only know the first one ‘Tian’ (天). There is little doubt that these characters are the name of the original owner. The hairpin dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Length 16 cm. Width 2.5 cm.