Kingfisher-Feather Brooch/Pendant | 點翠胸針 / 吊墜

Kingfisher feathers were sought after for their vivid colour during the 19th century, notably in the Qing dynasty. Various forms of adornments, notably hair decorations, were made during the Daoguan reign (1821-1850) and onwards. Gems such as spinels, sapphires, corals, pearls and turquoise would be used together to highlight the jewel, often in naturalistic forms symbolizing auspiciousness. This contemporary example designed as a chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity in Chinese culture, well loved since the Tang dynasty. It is believed to be able to extend one's life, and during the Han Dynasty people would drink chrysanthemum wine on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar year based on its health giving properties.

點翠因其艷麗的色彩，在19世紀的清代受到極力的推崇。不同造型的頭飾在道光年間（公元1821-1850年）陸續被創作問世，風靡一時。如尖晶石，各色剛玉（藍寶石），珊瑚，珍珠以及綠松石經常被用作吉祥紋飾的一部分點綴其上。這件點翠精品以盛開的菊花為造型，象征著福壽延年，自唐代起便已經廣受人們喜愛。甚至於更早的漢代起，人們就已經以菊花入酒，在農曆九月初九重陽節小酌，寄寓延年益壽。