Phoenix Earrings

Jewelry was a key part of every elegant woman’s ensemble. Upper-class women spent a large amount of time on their elaborate hairstyles with the help of maids. Often worn with wigs, ornate hairpins complemented earrings with hanging pendants. When the wearer moved, the hairpins and earrings would catch light and dazzle with brilliance.

Chinese jewelers often incorporated kingfisher feathers, jade, corals, precious stones, and gold and silver to skillfully create floral elements, butterflies, bats and phoenixes. These motifs were both beautiful and auspicious.

A close look reveals exquisite details. A pair of hairpins includes carved amber fishes, horses, coins and melons. Made up of many jewels, a pair of earrings features phoenixes pecking at a pearl pendant.