Gilt silver hairpin in the shape of a Buddha’s hand decorated with a round Shou character. A round Shou character is a pun ‘May you have Longevity as well as Completeness (yuanman). The circular shape (yuan) means ‘Fulfilment’ or ‘Completeness’. The Buddha’s hand which holds a Ruyi scepter and a brush is a symbol of Protection. The Ruyi scepter symbolizes a wish to get ‘Everything which one desires’. The brush pronounced ‘Bi’ means ‘Most certainly’ (biding). Hanging down from the hand is a musical chime called ‘Qing’ which symbolizes Celebrations (qing) & Auspicious Happiness (jiqing). The hairpin dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length 11.2 cm. Width 2 cm.