A Collection of Seven Chinese Hat Insignias with Presentation Box

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), a lovely presentation of seven Chinese court hat insignia buttons of varying colors of Peking glass, each with gilt mounts worked as sunburst floral motifs, the collection is beautifully presented over raised red felt in a custom wood and glass display box.

Box 5 x 14 3/4 x 5 in., Tallest finial 2 1/8 in.

Hat knobs were introduced in 1727. They were worn on hats by China’s Imperial family, nobles and officials. Officials were able to identify the rank of one another by their costume and the color of their hat knobs. There were nine official ranks in total.

Clear and cobalt blue finials no longer secured to base; cobalt blue finial with losses to mount at top; all with small areas of gilt rubbing; areas of surface scratches to glass but stable.