Very light green (almost white) hairpin with a 'ruyi' (As you wish) top inlaid with a bright apple green jadeite cabochon. The carving of the jade consists of C-scrolls and the petals of a chrysanthemum flower in the centre. The chrysanthemum (ju 菊) sometimes is a symbol for 'forever' (yongjiu 永久), and thus symbolizes 'longevity', also because of the health-giving properties of the plant. The hairpin dates from the late 18th or early 19th century and was acquired in Shanghai in 1992. Length 14 cm. Width top 2.8 cm. Width pin 1.2 cm. Weight 27 grams.