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.
The larger more intricate hair pins listed here are one of a kind antiques. They range from just over 2 tall to over 6 tall. They are made from silver base metal with gold plating and feather accents. In some cases they have granulation, springs, or glass beads as decor. Many of the pieces at a higher price point have preserved most of their delicate feather exterior. Additionally they have working springs and articulating metal parts.
Surprise me variant may will be a hairpin of similar size and condition to those pictured.
