Antique Qing Dynasty Tian-Tsui (üc´ä) Hair Pin - Extra Large - 1023

Known as üc´ä / µã´ä to the Chinese, Tian-Tsui translates to dotting with kingfishers. Its a traditional practice in which tiny kingfisher feathers were cut to size and incorporated into sterling silver and silver gilt jewelry to create a dazzling fluorescent blue finish. The technique was lost with the Chinese cultural revolution in the 1940's.

These are hair pins made by hand in the early 20th century - approximately 1910's and 1920's. Each is individual and unique.

Tian-tsui is?made from silver base metal with gold plating and feather accents. The hair pins often reflect floral and insect motifs in this case a flower with a mirror at center. Feathering that is about 90% intact.