Pair of small gilt silver hairpins decorated with plum flowers. A Plum Blossom has five petals which represent the Five Blessings, Old Age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. These cute little hairpins are marked on the back with the name Yi He (益和) who was either the silversmith or the retailers and the characters Wen Yin (纹银) or ‘Silver’. Despite their age, the gilding is still in good condition. They date from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length 7.3 cm. Width 3.1 cm.