Easel Incorporated Costume Accessories

Manchurian-Style Hats

This style of hat was made to resemble those worn by Chinese men during the Qing Dynasty.  Originally worn by members of the Imperial Court, this style of hat was seen on Chinese men in North America in the 1860's, according to photographs and drawings from the time. The hats on this page were originally made for the TV series "Hell On Wheels", and used for cast and background players depicting workers who built the final portions of the Union-Pacific Railroad.   Some artistic licence has been employed in the colour and fabric choices. Most of these are soft, although a few have buckram stiffening in their brims.  These hats are dry-clean only due to the silk fabrics utilized in them.

Veiw any of these hats in close-up by clicking on the photo.

This is what they look like, on a person.  Taken on-set during the final season of Hell On Wheels.
This is what they look like, on a person. Taken on-set during the final season of Hell On Wheels.