Ming-Qing Gold and Silver Hairpins

A group of 19 gold and silver hairpins, Ming to Qing dynasty…
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A group of 19 gold and silver hairpins, Ming to Qing Dynasty varying sizes from 7.7 cm to 17.5 cm long (19). The group of four pointy-legged hairpins with small decorative tops are called huatou zan, or the flower-head hairpin. They were popular during the Song and Yuan dynasties, and a plethora of new designs emerged during the Ming dynasty. Their tops are typically made of gold, connected to silver legs, such as the two pieces from this group. More elaborate examples included pearl or precious stone insets, comparable to two from this group. To compare two similar excavated pieces with almost identical designs to the two silver-legged examples, see Yang Zhishui, Gold and Silver Jewellery in Ancient China, Volume 2, Palace Museum Publishing, China, 2018, pp. 417-18 for similar hairpins to the 'flower and pearl' pin in this group, see Christie's, Masterpieces of Early Chinese Gold and Silver, New York, 12 September 2019, sale 18338, lot 578 and lot 579. The 'shuttle'-shaped hairpin in the lot is of one of the most unique designs primarily produced during the Qing dynasty, and is named bian zan, or flat hairpin. It is used to pin through a chignon, displaying both of its terminals, hence the sharp ends and the narrow waist. For similar pieces, see Yang, ibid., pp. 798-99. For similar examples to the 'gourd' pins, see the British Museum, London, Museum number 1938,0524.273

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  • Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

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