Rain Hat Item Number: 2503/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A hat of brown paper pointed at top and with four sections projecting from centre folds. When opened flat, the hat is triangular with points truncated at the base. An extra layer of paper with a serrated upper edge is adhered to the lower edge of the hat with another serrated strip adhered to the bottom edge of hat. Faintly visible bat shapes cut out of brown paper are adhered over the midpoint of each fold. A red paper-cut is adhered to the top of the hat.
History Of Use
Such hats were probably worn by women, possibly prostitutes. They may have been worn when dancing, as sun visors, or in light rain. Rain hats were normally more heavily oiled. They were carried by women in case they were needed. Anyone could make them; they did not require specialists to make them. Round folded paper sun hats with decorations and ties, and with an open centre top, were worn by women, generally prostitutes.
Iconographic Meaning
The style, shape, and decoration suggest that this was used by prostitutes.
Item History
- Made in Korea during 1900
- Owned by Helmer Arts Ltd. before January 24, 2000
- Received from Fyfe-Smith Memorial Oriental Collection Fund (Funding source) and Helmer Arts Ltd. (Seller) on January 24, 2000
What
- Name
- Rain Hat
- Identification Number
- 2503/5
- Type of Item
- hat
- Material
- paper, dye, paste adhesive ? and wild sesame oil
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut, dyed, adhered and oiled
- Overall
- height 22.3 cm, width 17.5 cm, depth 0.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Korean
- Previous Owner
- Helmer Arts Ltd.
- Received from
- Fyfe-Smith Memorial Oriental Collection Fund (Funding source) and Helmer Arts Ltd. (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Korea
When
- Creation Date
- during 1900
- Ownership Date
- before January 24, 2000
- Acquisition Date
- on January 24, 2000
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2503/0005