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 China one can see many people practicing this art also called ‘Shadow Boxing’. We don’t know why this character is on this hairpin but we assume that it belonged to a practitioner. The hairpin is marked Zhi Xing (志興) who may have been the original owner. 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 19 cm. Width medallion 3.7 cm.