Mandarin’s Summer Hat (Chao Guan)

China

Late 19th century

Bamboo, silk, silver

Mandarins were the educated civil servants during China’s last imperial dynasty, the Qing (1644-1911). Official headwear would be worn when conducting business on behalf of the emperor. There were nine levels of hierarchy, each rank distinguishable by the finial on top of the hat. The summer Chao Guan would be worn beginning in the third month of the traditional Chinese calendar and be replaced by a winter hat with an upturned fur brim on the eighth month of the Chinese calendar.