The form of this gilt silver hairpin resembles a ‘Paisley’ pattern, a droplet-shaped vegetable motif of Persian origin. It shows a high-rise structure with nine roofs. A lady with an unknown object in her hands, perhaps a performer stands on the top of a staircase and figures on both sides seem to be playing instruments. The master of the house sits on a balcony on the second floor and two servants with fans wave cool air in his direction. On both sides of the building flowering shrubs rise up to the top of the roof. There are five-petaled plum flowers which represent the Five Blessings, 'Old age, Health, Wealth, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death' as well as chrysanthemum flowers which symbolize Longevity because of the health-giving properties of the plant. The back consists of filigree chrysanthemum flowers while the pin is finely engraved with a floral design. The skillful goldsmith who created this detailed hairpin tried to imitate hairpins dating from the Ming period. Hairpins, generally known as ‘Fa-zan’ (髮簪) have always been an important symbol in Chinese culture. Women would wear bejeweled silver and gold hairpins to show their social status. Total length 15.6 cm. Width 5.6 cm. Height 8.5 cm. Depth without pin 0.7 cm. Depth with pin 1.5 cm. Weight 44.8 grams