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Which ornaments were popular during China’s Shang dynasty?

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jewelry Stomacher brooch with emeralds and enamel flowers on gold, from the treasure of the Virgin of Pilar, mid-17th century; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

During China’s Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE), personal ornaments were primarily designed to adorn clothing rather than the body itself. Popular adornments included:1

Hairpins: These were commonly crafted from bone and ivory, often featuring ends carved into the shapes of birds or abstract figures.1
Jade Plaques: Finely wrought, small jade plaques depicting animals in profile were frequently used, intended to be sewn directly onto costumes.1
Figurines and Masks: Beyond flat dress ornaments, artisans carved small jade figurines, masks, and representations of birds and animals in the round.2

While the Shang dynasty is renowned for its sophisticated bronze work, those items were largely reserved for ritual vessels, weapons, and chariot fittings rather than personal jewelry. The use of jade for these ornaments reflects the period's notable advancements in lapidary craft, with many pieces serving both decorative and potential ceremonial or funerary functions.132