Kingfisher Phoenix Hairpin

This piece of jewelry was crafted by the use of inlaying and tian-tsui. The eyes of the phoenix and the stamen of the lotus blossom were realized via inlaying, for instance. And tian-tsui, literally meaning “dotting with kingfishers”, is a centuries-old intricate Chinese technique of applying pieces of kingfisher feathers onto silverware or jewelry. The splendid kingfisher ornaments, though not sparkling or glamourous as diamond, take on naturally glorious gloss and colors that will never fade.