Known as 點翠 / 点翠 to the Chinese, Tian-Tsui translates to "dotting with kingfishers". Its a traditional practice in which tiny kingfisher feathers were cut to size and incorporated into sterling silver and silver gilt jewelry to create a dazzling fluorescent blue finish. The technique was lost with the Chinese cultural revolution in the 1940's.

Hair pin featuring flower motif with almost perfectly preserved feathering and granulated accents. About 6" tall.

The piece listed here is a one of a kind antique. It's a hair pin that was made by hand in the early 20th century - approximately 1910's and 1920's.