Collectors Tian-Tsui (點翠) Hair Pin

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. 

This hair pin was made by hand in the early 20th century - approximately 1920. It shows 3 flowers in bloom, with glass beads fashioned as imitation pearl stamen. One of the flowers shows damage where it attaches to the base. Additionally and ancient repair had been done on the pin, its wrapped with wire and string.

This pin is a one of a kind antique. It measures over 6" tall and is made from silver base metal with gold plating and feather accents decorated by granulation, springs, and glass beads.