Antique Tian-tsui Feather Inlay Fish Earrings greenstone the caduceus is sometimes (incorrectly)

the caduceus is sometimes (incorrectly) adopted as a symbol for medicine

while the six points of the star are each separated by an abstract arm ending in a triple lobed motif

and when depicted like this one it's the emblem of the Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom (a position that

who viewed them as a complementary pair (whilst conveniently ignoring the adulterous implications of their relationship)

to commemorate the death of WC

Antique Tian-tsui Feather Inlay Fish Earrings greenstone the caduceus is sometimes (incorrectly)DATE: Edwardian, c. 1910 Remarkable antique earrings formed as Koi carp with striking iridescent blue kingfisher feathers. The technique, known as tian tsui (literally "dotting with kingfishers"), has featured in Chinese art for at least 2000 years and involves painstakingly cutting out sections of feather to be glued onto gilt silver. The effect is similar to cloisonn, but the feathers produce an electrifying and intense colour that's impossible to