Vintage Chinese Pointed Bamboo Sun Hat

A vintage pointed bamboo rattan woven sun hat in a traditional south Chinese conical design. 

The hat is beautifully crafted with a pointed crown and wide brim. The design sits perfectly on top of a high bun with velvet ribbons to tie under the chin. 

This design and similar East Asian hat designs were traditionally hand woven in rural communities to provide shelter from the sun and rain whilst working. All unique in design to each region depending on natural grasses in the environment. These designs influenced European fashion design in the early 20th century. 

From the V&A museum 
"Wide-brimmed hats such as this are called douli, and were worn by farmers, fishermen and Buddhist monks to shield from the sun and rain. This example is formed by a two-layered bamboo mesh structure which are sandwiched with bamboo leaves. The hexagon weave pattern is created by three sets of bamboo strips positioned at 60 degrees angle to each other.

Bamboo weaving is an ancient craft in southern China, where the warm temperature and high humidity offer optimum conditions for this fast-growing plant. Bamboo is flexible and can be easily manipulated during the weaving process to compress or form conical shapes, allowing rainwater to run easily off the edge of the brim. The final step was the application of tung oil to the exterior to provide a waterproof finish."

Fastening: velvet ribbon (added)

Fabric: bamboo leaf plaited and treated with Tung Oil

Label: no label

Colour: warm brown

Age: Possibly as late as 1950s Hong Kong 

Condition: in good wearable condition.  Light wear and very little damage.
As with most vintage items, this hat has been previously worn and is at least over 30 years old.

Size: 50 cms diameter across 

This hat has been selected for its design and quality in keeping with the Alexandra King aesthetic. Please note this is a vintage piece and has been pre-worn. 
Your hat will be carefully packed, boxed and shipped free of charge to your chosen address.