Entry/Object ID
038 ChineseDescription
Traditional Chinese children's costume ensemble comprising an elaborate tiger-form hat, matching embroidered collar, and pair of tiger-head shoes.
The striking tiger hat incorporates two boldly rendered animal faces, one in brilliant orange and the other in black, each with prominent protruding eyes, embroidered swirling markings, raised ears, and exaggerated mouths displaying white teeth and curved fangs.
The coordinating orange collar is shaped as a stylized tiger skin, with four outstretched legs, a long tail, and an expressive tiger face featuring appliquéd eyes, raised facial features, and contrasting black edging. The matching pair of shoes features three-dimensional tiger heads at the toes, complete with bulging eyes, embroidered whiskers, pointed ears, and small white teeth. Orange uppers decorated with black swirling motifs complete the ensemble.
In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger was regarded as a powerful protective symbol capable of warding off evil spirits, illness, and misfortune. Children's tiger hats and shoes were worn as auspicious garments, particularly during festivals and important childhood celebrations, to invoke the animal's strength, courage, and protective powers.Made/Created
Time Period
Late Qing Dynasty / Early Republic PeriodAcquisition
Acquisition Method
PurchaseDate
Nov 14, 1991Acquired From
Jon Eric RiisName/Title
#38 Chinese Tiger Children's Hat, Collar and Shoes