Longevity 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. This silver hairpin ends in a round floral medallion framing the decorative Shou (壽) character for longevity. Attached to the front of a fine lady’s coiffure, this little hairpin would have brought her blessings of happiness and longevity.