Summer Court Hat, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
China
Bamboo, silk and metal; 12 1/2 × 12 1/2 …

Hat with Rank Finial

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-head garments

Date1644-1911

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumBamboo, silk and metal

Dimensions12 1/2 × 12 1/2 in. (31.8 × 31.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2014.9.7.1

DescriptionCourt hats were a part of the very intricate and regulated dress code implemented in the Qing dynasty. Two types of hats were prominent, the winter hat and the summer hat. Winter hats were trimmed in fur and summer hats were conical in shape and constructed out of bamboo.

Summer hats are typically decorated with silk, including a red silk-twine or floss fringe. This fringe was sometimes made from horse hair. A metal or glass knob at the top of the hat denotes the official’s rank. Such hats were worn for all official court duties and appearances.

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