Hair Ornament

Single-prong kingfisher-feather hairpin (zan 簪) in the shape of a lotus flower in a vase with dangles (bu yao 步摇), red stone center, and red-colored beads

Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, late 19th-early 20th century
Medium
Kingfisher feather, gilt metal, red glass
Dimensions
H x W x D: 9.8 x 4.5 x 1.2 cm (3 7/8 x 1 3/4 x 1/2 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
The Dr. Paul Singer Collection of Chinese Art of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; a joint gift of The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, Paul Singer, the AMS Foundation for the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities, and the Children of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2001.3
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jewelry and Ornament
Type

Hairpin

Keywords
China, kingfisher, Paul Singer collection, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), twisted wire
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Single-prong kingfisher-feather hairpin (zan 簪) in the shape of a lotus flower in a vase with dangles (bu yao 步摇), red stone center, and red-colored beads

Label

The ornament is a single shafted hairpin. The brilliant blue is the natural color of feathers from the kingfisher bird, which is native to some parts of China and other areas of Asia. These feathers were chosen to make jewelry because of their dazzling visual appeal.

Published References
  • Scientific Research in the Field of Asian Art: Proceedings of the First Forbes Symposium at the Freer Gallery of Art. London. pp. 15-23, fig. 2, pl. 3.
  • , Ellen Chase, Blythe McCarthy. The Textile Speciality Group Postprints: Papers Delivered at the Textile Subgroup Session, a Joint Session with the Objects Speciality Group Concerning Composite Objects. vol. 12 Washington, June 2002. pp. 45-55.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Whistler's Neighborhood
Google Cultural Institute
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