A Study Of Ming Dynasty Gold And Silver Hairpins

In this paper, gold and silver hairpins being studied on the method of typology,golden hairpin can be divided into 24 types, silver hairpins can be divided into 18 types. The article divide them into five phases. The first phase from Hongwu first year(AD1368) to Yongle thirteenth year(AD1415), most of hairpins have simple style and small size. The second phase from Yongle fourteenth year(AD1416) to Zhengtong third year(AD1438), there are some new ornamentation appear, and inset with jade or gems. The third phase from Zhengtong fourth year(AD1439) to Zhengde fifteenth(AD1520), the type and quantity have increased, the quantity of hairpins which inset with jade and gems count for a large part. Gilt silver hairpins began to appear. The fourth phase from Zhengde sixteenth year(AD1521) to Wanli third year(AD1575), the types of gold hairpins are decreased, the types of silver hairpins are invreased, silver hairpins with jade and gems began to appear. The fifth phas from Wanli fourth year(AD1576) to Chongzhen seventeenth year(AD1644), the types of haripin have the most species of the majority. The ornamentation and material of Ming Dynasty hairpins are hierarchical, there are some differences on ornamentation and techniques between the hairpins which unearthed in different regions. In the earlier stage of the Ming Dynasty, the gems come from Southeast and South Asia. In the middle to later period of the Ming Dynasty, the imperial court dispatched eunuchs to Mong Mit to guarding and buy gems. There are also have some foreign country jewelry merchants came to China to sale gems. From the begining of Chenghua years,the royal’s demand of gems has increased. More and more hairpins which inset with jade and gems has appeared. Because of the affected by the royal luxury atmosphere and the prosperity and development of commodity economy, some hairpins had usurped hierarchy to inset with gems, and the popular cycle gradually shortened.Besides, some of the hairpins affected by the Tibetan Buddhism and Taoism cultural.The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is particularly obvious.