Hairpin (faji)

Historical period(s)
Ming dynasty, 16th-17th centuries
Medium
Jade
Dimensions
H x Diam: 16.5 x 2.1 cm (6 1/2 x 13/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.754
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade, Jewelry and Ornament
Type

Hairpin

Keywords
China, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644)
Provenance

From at least 1968
Desmond Gure (1905-1970), London, from at least 1968 [1]

From 1968 to 1987
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), New York, purchased from Desmond Gure on January 10, 1968 [2]

From 1987
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, gift of Arthur M. Sackler on September 11, 1987 [3]

Notes:

[1] See an undated typed inventory of Desmond Gure’s collection, “List 1 – Objects Not Exhibited at Stockholm 1963,” no. 25: “A pale celadon jade hair pin, formed as the stalk of a chrysanthemum flower coiled round a root, the head pierced and carved with flowers and leaves – 6 ½ in. long – Ming Dynasty,” copy in object file.

[2] According to information provided by Arthur M. Sackler Foundation in October 2009, Arthur M. Sackler purchased the jade as part of Desmond Gure’s jade collection on January 10, 1968. See “Arthur M. Sackler Gift: Chinese Jades: Summary,” where the object is listed under Sackler Collection no. J-1369 and identified as S1987.754.

[3] Pursuant to the agreement between Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Desmond Gure 1905-1970
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler 1913-1987

Published References
  • Les Trois Reves du Mandarin. Exh. cat. Brussels. cat. 160, p. 200.
  • James C.Y. Watt. Chinese Jades from Han to Ch'ing. Exh. cat. New York. pp. 200-201.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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