Jade hair ornament
From China
Qing dynasty
(AD 1644-1911)
This hair ornament was used to hold a hair bun,
or topknot, in place. It was carved from a rectangular block of
jade, with the inside hollow out. The top is divided into five
ribs, framed by spirals at the ends. The ornament is pierced below
the spirals for the insertion of a
pin.
Similar ornaments are
shown in paintings of the Song dynasty (960-1279). Most excavated
examples, however, are from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Sometimes
the ribbed decoration is framed by finely carved dragons or other
animals. These items were made in gold and silver, as well as
jade.
Historically, jade
has been considered the most precious material in China, admired
for its texture and subtle colour variations. This hair ornament
exhibits both these properties.
J. Rawson, Chinese jade: from the Neolith (London, The British Museum Press, 1995, reprinted 2002)