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East Asia, Japan, Meiji era, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A handwoven rice straw cap known as a yuki boshi, snow hat, worn by farmers, outdoor laborers, and hunters. The straw is carefully woven together using black horsehair and the interior is lined with several different cotton cloth panels. This traditional hat was part of men’s winter garb in northern climates to keep the wearer warm and dry – the straw is hollow and water repellent, making it excellent for rain and heat insulation in snow. These hats and matching straw capes were also used as camouflage for hunters. Most yuki boshi are made by the wearer, and although modest vegetal fiber, the craftmanship is quite superb and well preserved on this example! Size: 12″ Diameter x 23″ H (30.5 cm x 58.4 cm); 30″ H (76.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Condition: Overall great used antique condition. Some minor fraying to straw and horsehair threads, but well preserved. Cotton liners have some seams coming apart, but otherwise intact.
Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection, acquired 1990; ex-Tad Dale collection, San Francisco, California, USA
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