Gold plated silver hairpin with the character ‘Taichi’ in an octagonal medallion. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art which is practiced for both defensive use and Health. In the early morning one can see many people practicing this art which is also called ‘Shadow Boxing’in China. We don’t know why this character is on this hairpin but we assume that it belonged to a practitioner. The hairpin is marked Guang Sheng (廣盛) who may have been the silversmith or retailer. The gilding is still in very good condition despite its age as the hairpin dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length 20.5 cm. Width medallion 3.6 cm.