Hairpin

China, late 19th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

Metal, enamel. A hairpin with a butterfly, a symbol of longevity, perched on a flower.

W: 9.4 cm / 14 cm

O 421

Purchased from Sänger of Hamburg.

Manchurian ladies combed their hair into complex hairstyles, often using various structural supports. Various types of hairpins and sticks also helped keep hair in place.