Hat-Ornament

Hat-Ornament

Object name: Hat-Ornament
Date: 1644-1912
Dimensions:
70 x 35 mm
Medium: Glass, metal alloy, card
Object number: C02414
DescriptionSpherical transparent glass ball on a supporting ornamental mount of gilt metal decorated with feathered or clawed motifs and layers of paper underneath. This would have been mounted on top of a Mandarin's hat. There were nine different classes and the colour of the button indicated a Mandarin's rank. A transparent white button such as this was worn by those of the fifth class.