Shame Flower Beauty Yang Guifei Chinese Hairpin Brooch Vintage Legend

This brooch is inspired by the traditional hairpin of Yang Guifei, known as the "Shame Flower Beauty," one of the legendary Four Beauties of ancient Chinese history. Yang Guifei was the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. Beyond her breathtaking beauty, she was a gifted musician and dancer, receiving the Emperor's undivided affection. It is said that when she walked through the palace gardens, the flowers would wither and hide away, overwhelmed by her radiance—this legend is the origin of the term "Shame Flower." While her family enjoyed immense power and glory, conflict eventually erupted between her cousin Yang Guozhong and the general An Lushan. Amidst the chaos of the An Lushan Rebellion, Yang Guifei was tragically forced to take responsibility for the clan's actions and met her end. Fitting for a woman counted among the three greatest beauties in world history, this piece is finished in red and gold, accented with silver and rose gold. To honor her "Shame Flower" title, I have selected various floral motifs for this design. A striking red rose is flanked by metal flowers of various sizes with Swarovski pearls at their centers. At the heart of a cherry blossom-shaped filigree rests a single Kyoto Opal, resembling a peony bud with a dewy luster. I have also incorporated motifs from Bai Juyi's famous poem "The Song of Everlasting Regret," which immortalized the love between Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong. Inspired by the vow of eternal love, "In the heavens, let us be two birds that fly with one wing (Biyi bird)," I added parts that look like bird feathers. The Biyi bird is a mythical creature where male and female each have only one eye and one wing, meaning they can only fly when joined as one. However... the parts chosen for this brooch are sharply twisted, representing the tragic love of Yang Guifei and the Emperor, which could not soar forever and ended in fleeting sorrow. Additionally, the five red teardrop beads represent the number "5," which in Chinese culture is associated with "nothingness" or "emptiness" due to its similar pronunciation. Attached to these feather parts are swaying petal-like pieces, inspired by the line "A branch of pear blossoms with spring rain," depicting the image of Yang Guifei with tears in her eyes. A silicone brooch stopper is included for secure and comfortable wear. The paper shown under the brooch in the 7th image is the size of a standard postcard. The 8th image shows the brooch next to a near life-size portrait for scale. Please explore other designs in the Chinese Hairpin Brooch series: https://pinkoi.com/product/9dTAMW56 (Xi Shi) https://pinkoi.com/product/qMY4cWU6 (Wang Zhaojun) https://pinkoi.com/product/6hNFmC63 (Diaochan) https://pinkoi.com/product/ciHRcEJV (Zhuo Wenjun) https://pinkoi.com/product/LayUbg9K (Fragrant Concubine) https://pinkoi.com/product/VJgd9cb7 (The Two Qiaos) The Chinese Hairpin Brooch series is created with care to ensure each design is unique. I chose the hairpin as a motif because such personal items were often a reflection of the owner's character and personality in the past. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhPeRnoQrjQ ◇ ◇ ◇ The cherry blossom filigree now has more opaque areas compared to previous versions (see images 1–4, 7–8). Due to the structure, the dangling parts may occasionally become tangled. Please untangle them gently if this happens. There may be minor chips on the edges of the resin rose petals. For this piece, the "shower base" (the mesh foundation where parts are attached) has been intentionally left as part of the design. Parts are attached to the base with nylon thread. They may feel slightly mobile, but they are securely fastened. All metal parts are plated. Do not rub strongly with polishing cloths containing abrasives. Storing the piece in a zippered polybag will help maintain its condition and prevent oxidation of the metal parts. Kyoto Opals vary slightly in color from piece to piece. Please appreciate this as a characteristic of the material. The play of color differs from natural opals. Product images are taken in natural light unless otherwise noted. Material: Resin, Glass, Artificial Opal, Metal, Nylon Size: Approx. 10.5 cm (H) x 4.5 cm (W)