- 2320
A GILT SILVER 'FLOWER' HAIR ORNAMENT MING DYNASTY
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
executed in filigree with a foliate scroll and a flower rosette to the centre in delicate filigree
Exhibited
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., 1954-55, cat.no. 154.
Literature
Bo Gyllensvard, Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1953, cat.no. 154.
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, 1999, cat.no. 154.
Chinese Gold and Silver in the Carl Kempe Collection, Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, 1999, cat.no. 154.
Condition
The pin was broken and restuck in three places. The silver has tarnished green and there may have been a bead or pearl in the centre that is now missing. The overall condition is still quite 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The hairpins of the Ming Dynasty can be catagorized into two groups based on length. The longer ones usually have elaborate decorations. The shorter ones, generally about 10 cm in length, like the present example, have relatively simple designs. They make up part of a complete set of hairpins, known as toumian. It is possible that the present lot may have once had kingfisher feather inlay or held a small hardstone in the centre. Short hairpins with inlays were unearthed from tombs in Nanjing, Jiangsu and Fenghuang, Hunan. Compare with other hairpins in Celestial Creations: Art of the Chinese Goldsmith, The Cheng Xun Tang Collection, Chinese Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, 2007, cat.no. G35.