Liangmao thumbnail 1
Liangmao thumbnail 2
+5
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Liangmao

Hat
1950-1980 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In Hong Kong, Hakka women wear these distinctive hats, known as liangmao ('cool hat'), when working outdoors. Originally from northern China, the Hakka people migrated south, and some eventually settled in the rural areas of Hong Kong at the turn of the 20th century. The term 'Hakka' means ‘guest people’, a reference to their history of constant migration resettlement.
Hakka women prefer simplicity and comfort when it comes to clothing, with black a favourite colour for workwear. This hat is made from woven bamboo, in the shape of a flat disc with a hole at the centre for the head. Along the outer edge is a veil, fashioned from two lengths of black plain-weave cotton, neatly arranged in tight, narrow knife pleats. The pleats are held in place at the top with a row of simple running stitches, allowing the veil to swing gracefully when the wearer moves, creating a cooling breeze. As well as being visually striking, the hat would also have shielded the wearer’s face and shoulders from the sun.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleLiangmao (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Woven bamboo; rattan; pleated, plain-weave cotton; plastic
Brief description
Hat for a Hakka woman (liangmao), woven bamboo; rattan; plain-weave cotton, and green plastic ties, China, 1950-1980
Physical description
Hat for a Hakka woman, in the shape of a flat disc, with a circular hole at the centre. It is made of woven bamboo and rattan, and has a black pleated cotton veil around the rim and green plastic ties.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 42cm
  • Textile depth: 14cm
Credit line
Supported by the Friends of the V&A
Production
The former owner acquired this hat in Hong Kong. It was probably made in Guangdong province.
Summary
In Hong Kong, Hakka women wear these distinctive hats, known as liangmao ('cool hat'), when working outdoors. Originally from northern China, the Hakka people migrated south, and some eventually settled in the rural areas of Hong Kong at the turn of the 20th century. The term 'Hakka' means ‘guest people’, a reference to their history of constant migration resettlement.
Hakka women prefer simplicity and comfort when it comes to clothing, with black a favourite colour for workwear. This hat is made from woven bamboo, in the shape of a flat disc with a hole at the centre for the head. Along the outer edge is a veil, fashioned from two lengths of black plain-weave cotton, neatly arranged in tight, narrow knife pleats. The pleats are held in place at the top with a row of simple running stitches, allowing the veil to swing gracefully when the wearer moves, creating a cooling breeze. As well as being visually striking, the hat would also have shielded the wearer’s face and shoulders from the sun.
Collection
Accession number
FE.186-1995

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSON