Costume was not only a symbol of status and power in old China. Brilliant colors and exquisite designs allowed self-expression for noble ladies.
This wedding crown of the Chi'ng Dynasty, is round in shape and is made from bronze chips and flowing locks of beads. Feathers of bluish green color are attached to the bronze chips. Feathers as part of the decoration are commonly seen in Chinese court ornaments. Coral and pearl beads are inlaid on the chips to form a double happiness character. Extending from the brim of the crown down are 23 locks, each with 6 to 10 pearls, coral and jade beads.
Noble ladies usually wore hair ornaments. Among the representative samples also of the Chi'ng Dynasty, the bat shape gilt hair ornament is the most delicately designed. The head of the bat is made of jade while a piece of pearl is inlaid to make the body. The coral wings, one pointing up, the other flapping down, are ready in a flying position.