A GOLD FILIGREE 'QILIN' HAT ORNAMENT

Qing Dynasty

Footnotes

清 金累絲麒麟帽正

Crafted from pure gold, this hat ornament features a Qilin looking back, meticulously modelled using traditional filigree techniques. The craftsman skilfully outlined the contours and details of the beast using gold filigree, weaving fine, gossamer-like gold thread within the outline. Layered with this technique, the craftsman delicately renders the scales, mane, and other textures, imbuing the Qilin with a three-dimensional, full-bodied, and lifelike quality. The ornament is embellished with scrolls and cloud motifs, further enhancing its luxurious and elegant appearance.

The present lot embodies the exquisite craftsmanship of precious metals, the profound meaning of auspicious culture, and the dignity of its owner. Within its minimal form, it embodies the exceptional wisdom of Ming and Qing artisans and the prestige of its wearer, embodying the perfect fusion of traditional costume culture and luxurious metalwork. During the Qing dynasty, officials and aristocrats often used the material and pattern of their hats as important indicators of their status, and the gold filigree Qilin motif was considered the top choice. As an auspicious beast, Qilin symbolized good luck, warding off evil, bringing good fortune, and abundant offspring since ancient times. It is often seen on important occasions such as weddings and birthdays.

此帽正以純金精製而成，其主體紋飾為一尊回首麒麟，採用傳統累絲工藝精心打造。匠人以金絲掐絲成形，精准勾勒麒麟輪廓及細部特徵，並於輪廓內密佈細若遊絲的金線，通過層層疊加的技法，細膩呈現鱗甲、鬃毛等生動紋理，使麒麟形象立體飽滿，栩栩如生。其週邊環飾纏枝紋與雲紋，進一步烘托出華貴典雅的氣質。

此金質累絲麒麟帽正集貴金屬工藝之精湛、祥瑞文化之深邃、身份標識之尊貴於一體，方寸之間凝聚著明清工匠的超凡智慧與使用者的顯赫尊榮，堪稱傳統服飾文化與奢華金工技藝完美融合的典範之作。在清代，官員及貴族常以帽正的材質與紋樣作為身份等級的重要標識，而金質累絲麒麟紋飾堪稱其中的頂級之選。麒麟作為仁獸，自古寓意吉祥、辟邪納福、多子多祥，常見於婚禮、壽誕等重要場合。