Pin Item Number: N1.318 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

A metalwork piece that has a long thin flat rod has a point at the bottom and three cranes in flight plus flower and leaf motifs at the top. The head, neck, and body of each crane are made of white beads, or pearls? While both the wings and the tail are made of inlaid light blue kingfisher feathers outlined with metal, the wings also have a row of what look to be white pearls in between. The eyes are outlined with very light blue beads that have a black bead for a pupil. There is an orange bead at the top of each head. The metal beaks are holding loose threads. Behind the cranes, there are four trees made of inlaid light blue kingfisher feather outlined with metal. The cranes and the trees are connected by a common base that is decorated with four pieces of green mineral, from which hang below four sets of flowers made of inlaid light blue kingfisher feather outlined with metal, and pearls? The outer two sets of flowers have loose threads at the bottom ends. Part of a set of Chinese bridal ornaments.

Cultural Context

Hair pin worn by Manchu bride or bridesmaid.