Ming’s of Honolulu “Bird on Plum” Gold Earrings
United States · Yellow Gold, 14k
$1,295.95
- Maker
- Ming's
- Origin
- United States
- Era
- Ming’s of Honolulu · 14K Gold · Carved motif
- Materials
- Yellow Gold, 14k
- Condition
- Pre-owned - Good
- Provenance
- Post earrings in solid 14K gold carved with Ming’s beloved “bird on plum” — the blossoming-branch motif that runs through the house’s finest work. Pure goldwork, no stones needed, in excellent condition.
On this piece
The bird on a flowering plum branch is one of the most poetic images in Asian art — the first bloom of late winter, hope at the edge of spring — and Ming’s of Honolulu made it a signature. These rectangular post earrings render that scene entirely in solid 14K yellow gold: a small bird perched on plum blossom, worked in fine relief, no stones needed because the goldsmithing itself does everything. They’re signed on the reverse with the Ming’s name, 14K, and “HK” for Hong Kong, where much of Ming’s finest goldwork was executed. Delicate and light at under three grams, they’re the kind of earring worn daily and treasured for a lifetime, in excellent condition. Ming’s is gone now, closed since 1999, which makes every signed piece a small remnant of a vanished house — and this one carries its whole poetic sensibility in miniature.