Moon Rabbit Among Clouds Hairpin

Chinese legend tells of a jade rabbit that lives on the moon, forever pounding the elixir of longevity beneath the osmanthus tree, sending blessings down to the mortal world. This hairpin, drawn from a Qing dynasty robe embroidered with osmanthus and jade rabbit, gathers that story into a single piece. A cloud of hand-carved natural chalcedony curls at the head of the pin, and from it hangs a detachable gold filigree ball, its openwork walls filled with hand-applied enamel colour. Within sits a rabbit carved from mother-of-pearl, luminous against the gold, and beneath it a tassel of chalcedony beads and pearls sways like moonlight on water. Worn at Mid-Autumn or any evening worth marking, it is a quiet wish for reunion and lasting peace.

Key Features

• The Moon Rabbit (玉兔): The jade rabbit of the moon, companion to the goddess Chang'e, grinds the elixir of long life beneath the osmanthus tree. It is one of the most beloved symbols of the Mid-Autumn Festival, carrying wishes for reunion, longevity, and peace.
• Detachable Filigree Ball: The centrepiece is a gold filigree (金累丝) openwork ball that detaches from the pin, worked in fine wire and filled by hand with cold enamel colour.
• Mother-of-Pearl Rabbit: At the heart of the ball sits a rabbit carved from natural deep-sea mother-of-pearl, chosen for its unique, shifting lustre. No two are exactly alike.
• Hand-Carved Chalcedony Cloud: A drifting cloud of natural chalcedony is carved at the head of the pin, softly translucent and cool to the touch.
• Flowing Bead Tassel: A tassel of chalcedony beads and pearls falls beneath the ball, swaying gently with movement.
• A Gift from the Palace Museum: Produced by the Beijing Palace Museum Cultural Development Company, part of the Gifts from the Palace Museum line, and presented in a hardcover gift box with a velvet pouch and carrier bag.

Materials & Details

• Thickened 18K gold plating
• Natural chalcedony (玉髓) and mother-of-pearl (贝母)
• Cold enamel (冷珐琅) and cubic zirconia accents
• Faux pearl accents
• Hairpin length: approx. 19cm
• Detachable filigree ball
• Presented in a hardcover gift box (approx. 21 x 7 x 3cm) with a velvet pouch and carrier bag

Care

Keep away from water, perfume, and prolonged sunlight. Store in a soft pouch or jewellery box when not in use. Wipe gently with a dry cloth after wear.