Protective Red Tiger Hat with Tail and a Hat Flap Decorated with Birds, Flowers and Auspicious Designs
Artist
Chinese
Dateabout 1875, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Mediumsatin, silk thread, gold foil, metal beads and paper
Dimensions27 × 15.2 × 18.4 cm (10 5/8 × 6 × 7 1/4 in.) with mount
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund
Object number2012.70
DescriptionHats representing lions, dogs or tigers were worn mainly by Chinese boys to scare off evil spirits which were believed to be the cause of death and sickness. The ferocious tiger was a natural choice for this duty as its name (hu) is a homophone for the Chinese word “protect.” The color red is also deemed to be protective.Label TextHats representing lions, dogs or tigers were worn mainly by Chinese boys to scare off evil spirits which were believed to be the cause of death and sickness. The ferocious tiger was a natural choice for this duty as its name (hu) is a homophone for the Chinese word “protect.” The color red is also deemed to be protective.Provenance(Judith Rutherford, Antique Chinese Textiles, New South Wales); March 21, 2012, purchased by the Worcester Art Museum.
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