Silver hairpin decorated at the tip with a Bat (Blessings & Riches) and a squatting person which is most probably a depiction of ‘Putai’, the ‘Laughing Buddha’ who is the God of Contentment and Happiness. There are jade hairpins in our collection which are very similar (see 9651 & 9659). The ‘stem’ is engraved with a Ruyi Scepter, a Box and a Lotus flower which are a pun ’May you have a Harmonious Marriage and may all your wishes come true’ (hehe ruyi). The box and the lotus symbolize Harmony & Unity (hehe) because they belong to the two Immortals of Harmony and Unity (Hehe Erxian). The Ruyi scepter stands for ‘As You Wish’. The hairpin is marked with the name Bao Cheng (寳成) who may have been the silversmith or the retailer. It dates from the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Length 11.2 cm. Width 1.4 cm.