Group of ornament
Description
6 pieces, gilt silver, blue feathers of the kingfisher, hairpin in the form of a lotus flower (backside coated with paper), three stick pins with floral design, diadem-like ornament with peacock motive, bird on branch (marked on the backside), slightly dam., gems and feathers partly missing, slightly deformed;
the Chinese have made use of kingfisher feathers since the Han dynasty but did not begin to use them liberally in headdresses, hairpins, and ear ornaments until the 19th century. The effect is like cloisonné, but no enamel was able to rival the electric blue color. The technique to use the blue feathers of kingfisher birds as an inlay for fine art objects and adornment is called “tian-tsui”. The kingfisher symbolizes happiness and marital fidelity.