Hairpin with Head formed as Melon, with Melon Blossoms, Foliage, and Small Melons
Song/Jin dynasty, 12th/13th century
Medium
Gold repoussé; openwork with hammered and chased details
Dimensions
H.: 13 cm (5 1/8 in.)
Classification
jewelry
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
221188
Art Historical Context
This elegant gold hairpin from the Song or Jin dynasty, created in the 12th or 13th century, captures the refined tastes of medieval Chinese jewelry. Measuring just over five inches in height, its head blooms into a delicate melon motif complete with blossoms, foliage, and tiny fruits. Such personal adornments were prized by women of the period, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for nature-inspired designs in everyday luxury objects. The piece was crafted using repoussé techniques—hammering the gold from behind to create raised forms—combined with openwork and chased details for intr...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...