Bowler Hat

Hayakawa Shōkosai I Japanese

Not on view

Among the more unusual works by Hayakawa Shōkosai I is a Western‑style rattan bowler hat made with mat plaiting (gozame‑ami) and other traditional techniques. Favored by Ichikawa Danjūrō IX (1838–1903), the greatest Meiji‑period star of the Kabuki theater, Shōkosai’s hats are a great example of the careful balance he struck between the complex Chinese techniques and his own innovations inspired by Japanese art and Western culture.

Bowler Hat, Hayakawa Shōkosai I (Japanese, 1815–1897), Timber bamboo, rattan, and brocaded silk, Japan

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Bowler Hat, Hayakawa Shōkosai I (Japanese, 1815–1897), Timber bamboo, rattan, and brocaded silk, Japan
Bowler Hat, Hayakawa Shōkosai I (Japanese, 1815–1897), Timber bamboo, rattan, and brocaded silk, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.