A hairpin during Qing Dynasty sold for 161,000 yuan ($24,150) at the Beijing Poly 2011 spring auctions (L). A pair of hairpins during Qing Dynasty sold for 92,250 yuan ($14,400) at the Sotheby's Hong Kong 2011 autumn auctions (L). [Photo/ artron.net]

 Hairpins

Hairpins were also a common gift for a man to give his girlfriend in ancient times. An old tradition in China was that women would cut a small lock of hair to give to their beloved at their engagement, so hair decorations symbolize a promise of love.