Step 5 of 5

Making of the hat

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The summer hats were made from woven bamboo or rattan into a cone-like shape. This made the hat breezy, lightweight and shielded sunlight from the face of the wearer. Silk gauze was used on the outside of the bamboo. Hair-thin bamboo fiber was bound to edges of this silk and woven into netting as a cover. Brocade was used for the brim and different colors were used: white, yellow, blue etc. Red unspun silk floss or silk tassels were used to decorate the crown. Silk gauze was also used on the inside of the hat to function as a sweatband for the wearer..[Cf, p99]

The method of making the hats was passed down from generation to generation in the Shandong and Sichuan provinces. It took two or more days to weave one hat. The hats of higher officials were made in Sichuan, those of the lower officials were made in Shandong. When summer hats were first introduced in 1646, there was a shortage of materials. To supply the demand, summer hats were cut out of baskets and straw mats.[Cf, p99]

Now that this particular hat has been dissected, it can be stored away in its perfectly fitting box, or alternatively put on display with its corresponding standard. As mentioned earlier, this article only gives a glimpse into the world of the Qing dynasty hats. There are still many more hats to explore along with their symbolism and functionalities. So it is time to make space for the next fascinating piece of headwear.