Artwork Page for Headdress Ornament

Details / Information for Headdress Ornament

Headdress Ornament

1800s–1900s

China, Qing dynasty

(1644-1911)
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Medium
Copper-silver alloy, gilding, kingfisher feathers, glass beads
Measurements
Overall: 8.1 x 8.5 cm (3 3/16 x 3 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Howard L. Ginaven 2001.179.5
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The iridescent blue feathers of kingfisher birds are inlaid in hairpins and headdresses.

Description

Hair ornaments depicting flowers, butterflies, or birds were worn by ladies of the Manchu elite class.
A vibrant butterfly ornament features wings overlaid with iridescent blue kingfisher feathers and accented by small gold circular cutouts. From the top, two copper-silver alloy wires loop into curled antennae tipped with glass beads. A single metal pin extends from the bottom center. Gold gilding borders the edges of the fibrous blue wings, revealing the underlying metal frame. The design combines organic texture with structured, decorative metalwork.

Headdress Ornament

1800s–1900s

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

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