Hat child

Chinese hat with eight finely worked Taoist symbols created with silver-wrapped threads (double gourd, peach and fan, flower basket, bamboo drum, lotus, sword, flute and castanets of each of the eight immortals of Taoism). Additional flowers and birds embroidered in fine silk. Side with ruyi motifs. The back depicts an element of a Ming dynasty scholar’s hat. 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 tough examinations, 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.