November Flower Goddess Camellia Hairpin

In Chinese tradition, each of the twelve lunar months has its own flower goddess, a presiding bloom that carries the spirit of the season. The eleventh month belongs to the camellia (山茶), which opens through the cold when little else dares, an emblem of endurance and refined, lasting beauty. Here the camellia is rendered in soft enamel over a dark branch-form pin, with a butterfly, a red agate bead, and freshwater pearls swaying below.

Key Features

• Camellia in bloom (山茶). A full camellia and buds worked in soft pink enamel over gold, the flower of the eleventh month and a symbol of quiet endurance.
• Freshwater pearls. Pearls rest among the branches and hang below on a fine chain, catching the light as you move.
• Butterfly and agate. A small enamel butterfly and a warm red agate bead complete the spray.
• Branch-form pin. The pin is shaped and coloured like a slender branch, a naturalistic touch beneath the bloom.
• Thickened 18K gold plating. A generous plating layer on the floral crown gives a deep, even lustre and holds the fine detail through wear.

Materials & Details

• Thickened 18K gold plating
• Natural freshwater pearls
• Natural red agate (红玛瑙) bead
• Hand-applied enamel camellia and butterfly
• Total length approximately 180 mm
• Pearls and agate vary in size, shape, and tone from piece to piece, so no two are exactly alike. These are nature's hallmarks.

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. Freshwater pearls are soft and porous, so let perfume and hairspray settle before wearing, and the enamel is delicate, so avoid knocks against hard surfaces.