Set of three small gilt silver hairpins. The two round ones are shaped as chrysanthemum blossoms (Longevity) and the rectangular one is decorated with a Bat (Blessings & Riches), a Lotus blossom (Continuous Harmony), Pomegranates and a Finger citron. The combination of Pomegranates and Finger Citrons leads to the pun ‘May you get many sons who will continuously reach the first place during the Civil Service Examinations’ (duozi lianyuan). The lightweight hairpins date from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Rectangular one Length 10.3 cm. Width 1.7 cm.