The Manchu headdress or dian zi was given to the museum by Mrs Wood-Jones in 1939. She was the wife of Frederic Wood-Jones FRS 1879-1954 one of the founders of modern physical anthropology. His work took the couple to England Australia & China.

A daily thread of awe & wonder...

The decoration consists of gemstones, pearls, coral & enamel work representing flowers leaves & butterflies. The blue colour comes from inlaid kingfisher feathers which during the Qing dynasty, were used exclusively by the imperial court & wealthy families
…https://storiesfromthemuseumfloor.wordpress.com/2018/06/15/the-chinese-manchu-headdress/

In 1932-3 Frederic was temporary director of anatomy at the Peking Beijing Union Medical College. It's assumed the headdress was acquired at this time. In 1938 he became Chair of Anatomy @OfficialUoM He & his wife settled in Manchester & presented their collections to the museum.

This headdress was worn by noble ladies at court for special occasions such as weddings, birthday ceremonies & traditional festivals. The impact of the dian zi or headdress was further enhanced by inserting flowers and hairpins.

#MMinQuarantine #MMEncyclopedia

Mrs Wood-Jones also donated the equally beautiful accessories to the museum collection. These will feature in the new Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery opening in 2022 as part of #MMhellofuture transformation

https://mmhellofuture.wordpress.com/ 

#MMinQuarantine #MMEncyclopedia

If you have enjoyed this thread you might want to explore our current display:

A Ming Emperor’s seat @britishmuseum spotlight loan

https://www.mminquarantine.com/online-exhibition-displays

#MMinQuarantine