<em>Hat Case (Gatjip)</em>, 18th–19th century. Horsehair, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal, Case: 2 3/4 x 27 9/16 in. (7 x 70 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1144.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , X1144.2_PS11.jpg)

Hat Case (Gatjip), 18th–19th century. Horsehair, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal, Case: 2 3/4 x 27 9/16 in. (7 x 70 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1144.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , X1144.2_PS11.jpg)

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Can you tell me the significance of this case?

That is a case that was specially made for the red horsehair hat beside it.

Is it a hard case?

It is. It was considered very important for members of the elite to keep their clothing neat and clean, which explains the designated case for this special occasion hat. The case with the hat inside would have been hung up in the home.

There is a chrysanthemum–a symbol of autumn in the cycles of life and the earth–clasp on each side of the case. You'll notice some of the same design aesthetics on the document and seal boxes on the other side of this case.

Thanks.

At what point in history did big hats become déclassé?

In Korea, the large brimmed Gat hats were worn into the mid-19th century. They were banned by the royal regent as part of a group of reforms aimed at reducing the power of the aristocracy. Outside of Korea, I think it depends on the culture!

That’s interesting. At the Dallas Museum of Art I read that massive hats were worn as a show of wealth.

I can see that, because of the labor and materials that go into producing them!

Thank you for answering my questions!

Was this hat for ceremonies or daily use?

This box, known as a Gatjip, is meant to house the hat, or Gat, next to it in the case. This hat and box combination is very rare to have survived from 18th-19th century Korea.

Most Gat's were black, this red color is especially unique and suggests that this hat belonged to an especially high ranking individual. Eventually, these very broad brims were banned because they were deemed too extravagant.

Hat Case (Gatjip)

Asian Art

Throughout the reign of the Joseon dynasty, men of the upper classes were required to wear brimmed hats called gat any time they appeared in public. Initially the hats had very wide brims as in this example. In the mid-nineteenth century, however, as part of reforms designed to curb the excesses of the aristocracy, Daewongun (regent for the king from 1863 to 1873) banned large hats, replacing them with much smaller models. As a result, this example—and its storage box—is extremely rare. Even rarer is the hat’s red cloth covering, which distinguishes it as a type worn only by high-ranking officials when attending special ceremonies.

MEDIUM Horsehair, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal

Place Made: Korea

DATES 18th–19th century

DYNASTY Joseon Dynasty

DIMENSIONS Case: 2 3/4 x 27 9/16 in. (7 x 70 cm) Lid: 2 3/4 x 28 1/8 in. (7 x 71.5 cm) Inner Part: 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Asian Art

ACCESSION NUMBER X1144.2

CREDIT LINE Brooklyn Museum Collection

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Hat Case (Gatjip), 18th–19th century. Horsehair, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal, Case: 2 3/4 x 27 9/16 in. (7 x 70 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1144.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , X1144.2_PS11.jpg)

IMAGE X1144.2_PS11.jpg.

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