This red lacquered two-tier hat box is designed in the antique Chinese hat box tradition. It is made from wood substructure and covered in leather parchment. The conical cover opens to reveal a circular upper tray to hold a summer hat while the bottom chamber, for a winter or autumn hat. The central cylindrical compartment with openwork cover is intended to store a court necklace. The sections are hinged and fastened with metal latches.Both kinds of official hats – summer and winter were worn during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Regulations governing court dress for the imperial family and government officials in China at this time was to distinguish them from the general public. Hats formed an important part of this official court attire.
