Silver Leaf Hairpin

Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that completed the look. Attached to the front of a fine lady’s coiffure, this petite silver hairpin ends with a thin leaf, curling slightly like the flourish of a calligraphy brushstroke. This elegant pin was likely worn along with several colorful floral hairpins to form a playful bouquet upon the head.