Abstract:

The Chinese skullcap is a kind of headgear for men specific to China, which prevailed in the dynasties of Ming, Qing and the Republic of China. Its modellings fall into two types: flat-topped and peaked, and its lining is divided into hard and soft to fit the different needs of each season. Through analysis of the physical objects that have remained to this day, it reveals that four types of Chinese skullcap can fit well with t he human head, covering half of the forehead. By means of analysing and carding of the crafting techniques of the peaked Chinese skullcap with a hard inner lining, it could be found that it is precise in material selection and fine in making, which is the embodiment of the increasingly approaching perfection of traditional headgear techniques. The modelling and production techniques of the Chinese skullcap also reflect its unique practical, aesthetic and social functions, displaying the philosophy of “the integration of beauty and practicality” in Chinese headgear art.