Hat child

Chinese hat in the Qing dynasty style. Scholar’s hat with representation of a tiger’s head. Silk-embroidered flowers and butterflies on the crown; the black silk tiger face is adorned on the sides and back with fine gold-colored paper embroidery applied to the sides. The back flap has a coated metallic thread creating images of a bat and fruit. The internal shape of the hat appears to be made of wood? Among the protective animals depicted on children’s hats, the tiger is the most popular. Considered the king of animals, this feline has the power to detect and even devour any evil spirits that might seek to seize children. What’s more, until the early 20th century, the most coveted male social status was that of high-ranking imperial official. To achieve this rank required a mastery of classical Chinese texts and the passing of very difficult exams, so little boys were encouraged to study hard from an early age. This hat, inspired by the headdresses worn during the Ming dynasty, symbolizes wishes for future professional success.