A Comprehensive Guide to the Qing Dynasty Headwear: The Que113

The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the last imperial dynasty of China, left a lasting legacy on Chinese culture and history, including its distinctive headwear. Known as the "que," the Qing Dynasty headwear was a symbol of authority, power, and tradition.

Origins and Evolution: The que originated from the Manchu people, an ethnic group from Manchuria who established the Qing Dynasty. It was originally a simple hairstyle where the hair was shaved around the forehead and the rest was gathered into a bun. Over time, the que evolved into an elaborate headpiece that varied in style and ornamentation.

Construction: The que consisted of three main components: the shaved crown, the queue (辮子), and the tassel. The shaved crown extended from the forehead to the back of the head, while the queue was a long, braided ponytail that hung down the back. The tassel, known as the "buzi," was attached to the end of the queue and was made of silk or animal hair.

Styles and Decoration: The style and decoration of the que varied depending on the wearer's status and occasion. Members of the imperial family had the most elaborate ques, often decorated with pearls, jewels, and metal ornaments. Commoners' ques were simpler, typically made of black satin or cloth.

Military Que: Soldiers in the Qing army wore a unique style of que called the "toujin." This que was shaved in a distinctive "window" shape on the crown of the head and was decorated with a red ribbon and tassel. The toujin allowed soldiers to wear helmets comfortably and provided a unique identification mark.

Civilian Que: Civilian men also wore ques, but their styles were less elaborate. Commoners' ques were typically shaved at the sides and gathered into a bun at the back of the head. To secure the bun, a hairpiece called a "kǎngjiǎ" was used.

Women's Headdress: While ques were primarily associated with men, women in the Qing Dynasty also wore a headcovering called the "touji." The touji consisted of a shaved crown and a bun or ponytail at the back of the head. However, unlike the male que, the touji was often decorated with hairpins, flowers, and jewelry.

Decline and Fall: The Qing Dynasty headwear began to decline in the late 19th century as Western influences and modernization brought about changes in Chinese society. After the Xinhai Revolution in 1912, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty, the que was abolished and many men cut off their queues as a symbol of their newfound freedom and modernity.

Modern-Day Legacy: Although the Qing Dynasty headwear is no longer worn in everyday life, it remains an important symbol of Chinese history and culture. The que is often featured in historical dramas, museum exhibits, and as a collectible item for enthusiasts.

2024-10-22

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