Antique Qing Dynasty 4 3/4" Tian-Tsui Hair Pin - 200621-J

Known as 點翠 / 点翠 to the Chinese, Tian-Tsui translates to "dotting with kingfishers". Its a traditional practice in which tiny kingfisher feathers were cut to size and incorporated into sterling silver and silver gilt jewelry to create a dazzling fluorescent blue finish. The technique was lost with the Chinese cultural revolution in the 1940's.

Hair pin featuring a shrimp, tian-tsui feathering is about 50% intact. About 4 3/4" tall.

The piece listed here is a one of a kind antique. It's a hair pin that was made by hand in the early 20th century - approximately 1910's and 1920's.