Lot Essay
US$3,800-4,500
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Details
** AN EXQUISITE PAIR OF ANTIQUE GOLD AND GEM-SET HAIRPINS
Comprising a hairpin with a dragon head finial, the horned head very finely crafted with bulging eyes, flared snout and jaw agape to reveal its teeth, and a matching hairpin with a phoenix head finial, the bird with delicate wirework feathers and beak open to suspend a line of seed pearls spaced by a gold bead and a carved coral basket, terminating in a ruby drop with foliate cap inlaid with kingfisher feathers, both finials enhanced by a ruby surmount and a tapered openwork shaft, Qing dynasty, 12.5 cm. ruby to dragon head finial a later
replacement (pendant not illustrated)
For a similar dragon hairpin with the original Imperial accession labels dating to the 31st year of the Qianlong period (1767), see the "Catalogue of the Exhibition of Ch'ing Dynasty Costume Accessories", National Palace Museum, Taibei, 1986, p. 185. (2)
Comprising a hairpin with a dragon head finial, the horned head very finely crafted with bulging eyes, flared snout and jaw agape to reveal its teeth, and a matching hairpin with a phoenix head finial, the bird with delicate wirework feathers and beak open to suspend a line of seed pearls spaced by a gold bead and a carved coral basket, terminating in a ruby drop with foliate cap inlaid with kingfisher feathers, both finials enhanced by a ruby surmount and a tapered openwork shaft, Qing dynasty, 12.5 cm. ruby to dragon head finial a later
replacement (pendant not illustrated)
For a similar dragon hairpin with the original Imperial accession labels dating to the 31st year of the Qianlong period (1767), see the "Catalogue of the Exhibition of Ch'ing Dynasty Costume Accessories", National Palace Museum, Taibei, 1986, p. 185. (2)
Special notice
Notice Regarding the Sale of Ivory and Tortoiseshell
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing ivory or tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.