Iridescent blue kingfisher bird feathers were used to create the five petals of this 19th century Chinese pin that was most likely used as a hair ornament. Feathers from the tiny kingfisher bird decorated items used by the ladies of Chinese imperial courts for many centuries. Jewelry and other articles covered with the feathers were found in Tang Dynasty tombs. In the 18th century, the fashion developed for very large, intricate feather headpieces, and these can be seen worn by empresses and the... Click for details
19th century Chinese jewelry made from bird feathers, an unusual concept in itself, is made even more unusual by the design subject of this piece. A man in a blue feather robe, perhaps a palace guard, stands in front of a pagoda created of feathers. His painted face is carved from a small oval white stone, and the figure stands about 1/4th inch out in front of the pagoda, creating a three dimensional scene. The bright blue feathers from a tiny kingfisher bird are affixed to a metal backing. King... Click for details
