Chinese Qing Dynasty child's hat, c.1875, black silk hat, with with two elephants, butterflies, mirror to front and various pink balls, bank of embroidered flowers and geometric pattern in tones of pink, green, blue and cream catalogue note: elephants are an unusual element to find on children's hats. The elephant is a symbol of strength and prudence and is one of the four animals representing power or energy. The mirror is to frighten away evil spirits and so protect the child. Provenance: Collection of Judith Rutherford