Crisply modeled silver hairpin decorated with a number of auspicious objects. Depicted on one side are a Vase with Plum flowers denoting the Five Blessings (Plum see 8636) and Peace (Vase) and Books which symbolize a High Position as they are objects used by scholars. The other side shows a basket (Longevity & Abundance) and a Chess board, also one of the Scholarly objects. There are some other items as well which we cannot identify. The hairpin is marked Tian Ji (天吉) who may have been the silversmith or retailer. It dates from the end of the Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Length 10.2 cm. Width 1.5 cm.