19th C. Chinese Qing Wood Rotating Hat Stands (pr)

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A striking pair of hand-carved rosewood hat stands with rotating openwork finials. The hexagonal base rests on scrolling feet that support a baluster decorated with openwork scroll motifs. The curved panels at the top rotate on a separate rod that is inserted into the tip of the baluster shaft. Hats were important markers of rank, wealth, and profession in Chinese culture. Hats could be made of precious materials such as silk or peacock feathers and were prized possessions that were protected by storing and displaying upon such stands. The panels of the finial seem to mirror the shape of the domed and upturned brims of the Guanmao hats they perhaps supported. The stands are striking on their own as sculptural elements. Size: 7.25" W x 16" H (18.4 cm x 40.6 cm)

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Maine, USA collection

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#163679
Condition Report: Loss to openwork on lower column of one. Losses to open work below rotating finial on the other as shown. Both stands have repairs with finial panels and openwork reattached with adhesive residue on both stands. Foot reattached to base of one. Both rotate and have a nice patina.