Product Description

Antique Chinese Jade Hairpin

Material: Jade
Style: China
Size:  Height 5 cm, Pin: Length 16 cm
Order Number: MHSACJH

Archeological discoveries at Zhoukoudian in China, where one of the first specimens of Homo erectus (Homo erectus pekinensis), dubbed Peking Man was found in 1921), dated to between 500,000 and 230,000 years ago, have revealed perforated beads being used as personal ornaments by Paleolithic hunter gatherers, and by the Neolithic period around 5000 BC jade-carving was known in what is now Zhejiang Province.

Jade is believed to have auspicious qualities, associated with luck and health and a link between heaven and earth. It is the per-eminent material for the Chinese.

Women wore jade rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and sewed jade pieces to their skirts. Jade pieces are shaped by grinding, not carving. Real jade cannot be scratched with steel, has an oily appearance and causes a drop of water to bead, not spread, on the surface.

In Imperial China first prize for athletes was jade, second prize was gold.

Early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).