Wang Zhaojun Brooch: Fallen Goose Beauty Chinese Hairpin Style Blue Crystal

This brooch is inspired by the hairpin of Wang Zhaojun, known as the "Fallen Goose Beauty," one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China. Wang Zhaojun was a tragic figure who was sent from the Han imperial harem to marry into the foreign Xiongnu tribe. While in the Han harem, she remained unnoticed by the Emperor among the many concubines. Legend has it that when choosing a woman to be given as a bride to the Xiongnu king, she refused to bribe the court painter. Consequently, he painted her unflatteringly, sealing her fate to be sent away. It is said that the Emperor was only struck by her true breathtaking beauty during the farewell audience before her departure... During her journey, she played the Pipa (lute) while thinking of her homeland. The melody was so sorrowful and beautiful that geese flying overhead forgot to flap their wings and fell to the ground. This is the origin of her title, "Fallen Goose" (Rakugan). Even though she went as a queen, it is not hard to imagine the hardships she faced living in a land with completely different customs, considered "barbarian" by the Han dynasty at the time. Reflecting her tragic story, the overall tone is kept in silver rather than gold to suppress excessive flashiness. To symbolize the "Fallen Goose" legend, metal feather parts dangle from the piece. The color scheme is based on blue, representing the vast sky of her journey, her sorrow, and the purity of her character that refused to bribe. The lovely bead with a floral pattern above the feather motif is a distinctively Chinese-style Cloisonné bead. For the center of the flower, we used refined Swarovski crystals in Lapis Lazuli pearl and Light Turquoise crystal colors. Various Czech beads are also scattered throughout—vivid transparent Capri blue, soft opaque blue, and flattened teardrop shapes in Cobalt blue hanging from the fan motif. Please enjoy the symphony of blues created by these distinct glass materials. ♪ A silicone brooch stopper is included so you can wear it with peace of mind. The 5th image shows the brooch on a near-life-size figure. The paper under the brooch in the 6th image is the size of a standard postcard. Please also take a look at other designs in the Chinese Hairpin Brooch Series. Xi Shi (Sinking Fish): https://pinkoi.com/product/9dTAMW56 Diaochan (Eclipsing Moon): https://pinkoi.com/product/6hNFmC63 Yang Guifei (Shame Flower): https://pinkoi.com/product/p6xzEusK Zhuo Wenjun: https://pinkoi.com/product/ciHRcEJV Xiang Fei: https://pinkoi.com/product/LayUbg9K Two Qiaos of Jiangdong: https://pinkoi.com/product/VJgd9cb7 I created the Chinese Hairpin Brooch Series with care to ensure each design is unique. I chose the hairpin, an ornament that colors the hair, as a motif to express these women because it was likely one of their beloved items—a memento that helps us imagine their personalities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhPeRnoQrjQ ◇　◇　◇ Due to the structure, the dangling parts may get tangled. If this happens, please gently untangle them. In this piece, the shower base (the mesh-like base where parts are attached) is intentionally left visible as part of the design. The parts are attached to the base with fishing line. You may feel a slight movement, but they are secured so they will not come off. Since all metal parts are plated, please be careful not to polish them strongly with an abrasive cloth during care. When not in use, storing it in a zippered plastic bag will help maintain its condition for a longer time. Leaving it exposed to air may cause discoloration of the metal parts. Please note that each Cloisonné bead differs slightly in glaze application, color, and pattern. Also, the base metal may be slightly visible in some areas. Thank you for your understanding. Czech beads may have small dents, scratches on the surface, or small bubbles inside. Also, the shape and color of each bead may vary slightly. We ask for your understanding as these are characteristics of Czech beads. Product images are taken in natural light unless otherwise noted. Material: Glass, Metal, Nylon Size: Height approx. 7.5cm x Width approx. 3.5cm