Unique & Rare Kingfisher Chinese Feather and Coral Piece

Rescued from an estate sale. This piece is gorgeous and rare. Probably originally part of a necklace and turned into a brooch. Amazing craftsmanship!

Kingfisher jewelry, known as tian-tsui (“dotting with kingfisher”), originated in ancient China and gained popularity during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Artisans applied feathers from the common kingfisher bird onto gilt metal or gold surfaces, creating intricate inlays that shimmer with an almost electric blue hue. Unlike enamel or synthetic substitutes, kingfisher feathers reflect light naturally, giving each piece a living, dimensional glow. These pieces weren’t simply decorative—they symbolized status, refinement, and cultural tradition. Most were worn by women in elite circles and often featured auspicious symbols like phoenixes, flowers, and waves to signify harmony, beauty, or renewal.