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.

These are hair pins made by hand in the early 20th century - approximately 1910's and 1920's. Each is individual and unique.

Tian-tsui is made from silver base metal with gold plating and feather accents. The hair pins often reflect floral and insect motifs, the pair of goldfish on this pin are quite unique. In some cases pins have granulation, springs, or glass beads as decor, this one is meticulously beaded and features a number of articulating spring elements. The piece has lost a lot of its feathering, only about 15% remains.