Gilt Headdress with Motifs of Birds, Flowers, Butterflies, and Bamboo
Culture
Chinese
Date19th century, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Mediumgilt silver alloy, enamels, carnelian, jade, silk, glass and coral beads
Dimensions11.4 x 12.7 x 4.4 cm (4 1/2 x 5 x 1 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1922.37
DescriptionThis may have been part of a wedding headdress. Flowers symbolize the beauty of women; butterflies are an emblem for marital happiness; and bamboo connotes modesty and fidelity. Coral, and by color association carnelian, were believed to bring happiness, health and strength.On View
Not on view
Chinese
Ming Dynasty (1368–1911), late 16th to mid–17th century
