Chinese Winter Hat

This semi-formal Chinese Winter hat was made for court use for a civil official. Hemispherical paper-stiffened padded crown with upturned brim of mink fur, covered with corded red silk tassels and surmounted with filigreed mount spike that supports a gilt metal insignia ball. Cotton lining.
 
With a strict dress code, Chinese officials could wear this style hat only in wintertime. Summer version would be woven from split cane that is often covered with silk gauze.