Antique Qing Dynasty Tian-Tsui Tiara 200622-D

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. These tiara pieces are extremely rare.

Tiara featuring floral motif. Kingfisher feathering is approximately 70% intact. Measures about 8 1/4" wide.

This type of jewelry was made for over 2000 years in China. The techniques were largely lost with the Chinese cultural revolution in the 1940s. This tiara is an antique which was made by hand in the first half of the 20th century.