Antique Kingfisher Feather Hair Pin. Tian - Tsui / 點翠 / 1900s - Museum Of Jewelry
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:32036 | Type: Hair Pin |
| Age: 1850-1899 | Region of Origin: China |
| Primary Material: Silver | Color: Blue |
| Original/Reproduction: Original |
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. The piece listed here is a one of a kind antique. This is a hair pin manufactured by hand in the late 19th and early 20th century -... approximately 1880's through the 1920's. This piece includes glass beads in coral and white affixed to springs.
