A PAIR OF GOLD 'PHOENIX-HEAD' HAIRPINS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of long tapered form, the head of the hairpin set with the fine filigee feathered body of a small phoenix, its almond-shaped head covered with matching plumage set with a tiny open beak and a beard, surmounted by a crown of four spirals, all attached to a slender, curved, hollow openwork pin

Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat.no. 56.

Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, cat.no. 56.
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, 1999, cat.no. 78.

There is a slight blackish discolouration at the joint of the phoenix body to the pin, but otherwise the overall condition for both pieces is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Openwork hair ornaments such as the present pair were known as tongzan, and were popular from the Ming dynasty onwards.  The delicate openwork pin was designed to give a sense of lightness and airiness for the wearer. 

Compare two similar openwork hair ornaments, but with the head set as a dragon; one illustrated in Celestial Creations: Art of the Chinese Goldsmith, The Cheng Xun Tang Collection, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007, pl.H29; and the other in Gems of Beijing Cultural Relics, Gold and Silverwares, Beijing, 2004, pl. 272.  See another related hair ornament, with a phoenix at the head but without the openwork design, in op.cit., pl.G16.