Chinese Hairpin Stick

Mid 20th century or earlier gemstone hair stick pin set with diamond, jadeite, coral and emerald in 22k.

These are Straits Chinese in provenance, though the gems could have evolved over usage.

Such hair stick pins underpin Chinese classism more than Straits Chinese Peranakan culture, the latter an intersection of ethnic and Victorian styles.

Only the part essentially Straits Chinese (and not so much Chinese) is how unusually dainty these hair pins are.

Chinese, like Japanese hair sticks, tended to be longer and bigger.

Yet while the size is Straits Chinese, the type of stones used is traditionally seen in ethnic Chinese jewelry.

At 7.8cm long but just over a thumb wide, this hair stick pin can sit above or deep into the hair.

Traditional hair ornaments are seasonal, gilded, or solid gold, forming an important part of the boudoir of palatial, common and courtesan ladies.

This ‘Spring’ hair stick is not ordinary, having particularly well cut and carved stones and a great sense of pleasure in a thing of its kind.

Hair jewelry in this flavour is very precious, for they are everywhere in imagination but nowhere to be found.

The stones in this hair stick are diamonds in rose cut, angel skin coral and translucent jadeite (both carved), and faceted Colombian emeralds.

It is illuminating how throughout history, precious hair pins were admired more than they were shown, such is the care and ennui of beauty.