File:Hat-box and hat (AM 1976.47-2).jpg

English: Hat box, black with brass fittings, made in pawlonia wood with wood nails, young man's two part hat of black woven horse hair; used to store the old two piece horse hair hats of the old Korean gentlemen Until recent times every well dressed man over the age of twenty used to wear a hat (kat). A young man’s hair was washed, then bound to a topknot and the hat (kat) was placed on his head, signifying the move to adulthood. A similar ritual was observed before marriage. During the Joeson dynasty a hat (kat) was worn indoors as well as outside. This example is an official's hat as it has an official’s cap (t’ang-gon). The shape of the official’s cap denotes his rank. The form of the traditional Korean hat is unique. Each piece of this two-piece hat is made of black woven horsehair. In the crown of the hat is a short extension below the brim so that the hat sits well up on the head. Ribbons are used to tie the hat under the chin and keep it in place. As hats are an important piece of a gentleman’s daily attire, an appropriate box was required to store them. This practical octagonal hatbox (kwansang) made in sombre pine has little added decoration except the brass lock and structural braces. It is lined simply with printed paper.