This antique Chinese child's infant silk appliqué tiger hat dates from the 1940s. It is made of a pale yellow silk brocade fabric which is all hand stitched with colorful appliqué work creating a tigers face on the front, side paws, and tail on the back. The tiger is one of the most predominant symbols on hats and shoes. It's ferocious powers make it an especially popular protective image. The tiger is used to frighten off evil spirits and to help a toddler learn how to walk. These Han Chinese children's and infant hats were designed to provide protection from evil spirits, demons, and ghosts, but also to influence the wearing with important qualities such as wealth, health, courage, academic success, happiness, long life, grace, and beauty. It is fully lined in a red and white calico polka dot print cotton fabric. The hat measures 16 inches inside crown circumference. It is in excellent wearable condition, and is truly an unique piece of antique Chinese textile art making for a wonderful display piece.
Item number z1548

$100