Ancient Chinese Hair Accessories
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Ancient Chinese Hair Accessories
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Yù Zān (Jade Hairpin)
The oldest tool for securing a bun, and the ancestor of both hairpins and hair forks.
Women came of age through the "Jī Zān Ceremony" (hair-pinning ceremony).
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Róng Tóu Huā (Velvet/Flower Hairpin)
Hairpins crafted in the likeness of fresh flowers, silk flowers, or velvet flowers.
Emphasizes natural beauty and a fresh, delicate aesthetic.
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Chāi (Hair Fork)
Formed by crossing two (or more) hairpin prongs together.
Used to secure complex hairstyles and traditionally symbolizes a love token.
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Zhé Gǔ Chāi (Folded Hair Fork)
Made by folding a single metal wire in half, creating two parallel prongs.
Simple in design, commonly seen in the Song Dynasty.
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Mò É (Forehead Band)
Also known as headband or brow band; a decorative strip worn across a woman's forehead.
Often adorned with embroidery, pearls, or jade; provides warmth in winter.
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Diàn Zi (Formal Manchu Headdress)
A ceremonial headpiece for Manchu women, typically woven from metal wire and adorned with jewels and kingfisher feathers.
Large in size and worn on formal occasions.
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Fèng Guān (Phoenix Crown)
A ceremonial crown worn by empresses, imperial concubines, and noblewomen on grand occasions.
The ultimate symbol of rank and power.
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Bù Bù Jǐn (Tight-Step Headdress)
A type of hairband composed of multiple interlocking segments.
When worn, the pieces fit closely together and produce a soft sound with each step.
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Bì (Fine-Toothed Comb)
A comb with denser teeth than an ordinary comb.
Together with hairpins and hair forks, it is counted among the eight great ancient hair accessories; often inserted into the bun as decoration.
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Biǎn Fāng (Flat Hair Bar)
An important ornament in Manchu hairstyles (flag headdress).
Flattened and elongated in shape, inserted horizontally across the bun or headdress.
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Qiáo Liáng Chāi (Bridge-Shaped Hair Fork)
The fork body curves like an arching bridge, spanning across the bun with both ends inserted into the hair.
Popular during the Song and Yuan Dynasties.
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Xiǎo Chā (Small Hairpin)
A short and compact hairpin or fork, popular during the Song and Ming Dynasties.
More decorative than functional, emphasizing ornament over securing the bun.
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Zhào Wǎng (Hair Net/Cage)
A popular hair accessory during the Ming Dynasty, used to cover and contain the bun before inserting additional pins and forks.
Made of materials such as gold wire, creating a neat and structured look (e.g., gold wire hair cage).
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Huá Shèng (Ornamental Hair Frontlet)
Attached to the tip of a hairpin or fork, hanging in front of the forehead or over the bun.
Originated in the Han Dynasty, combining status with decorative elegance.
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Zān (Hairpin)
An evolution of the jade hairpin, used to secure the bun.
Single-pronged, often decorated at the tip with floral, bird, or auspicious cloud motifs.
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Bù Yáo (Dangling Hairpin)
An upgraded version of the hairpin or fork, featuring tassels, pearls, or pendants at the top.
Sways and shimmers with each step; primarily worn by aristocratic women.
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