Hat-Ornament

Hat-Ornament

Object name: Hat-Ornament
Date: 1644-1912
Dimensions:
55 x 65 mm
Medium: Glass, metal alloy
Object number: C02413
DescriptionSpherical white glass ball on a supporting ornamental metal mount, decorated with a feathered or clawed motif. 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 white opaque button such as this was worn by those of the sixth class.