Hair Ornament

Art Historical Context

This delicate silver hair ornament, created in China during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) or shortly thereafter, exemplifies the refined personal adornments favored by women of the period Measuring just under two inches in diameter, the circular piece would have been secured in elaborate hairstyles, adding a subtle gleam to daily or ceremonial dress. Its classification as jewelry from the Asian Art department highlights the Metropolitan Museum’s commitment to preserving such intimate artifacts that reveal everyday elegance in Chinese material culture. Although the artist remains unknown, the o...