This hat finial would have adorned the top of the mandarin hat, worn by a Peranakan Chinese bridegroom in the Straits Settlements. Hat finials were worn by the officials in Qing court in China as an indication of rank and were subsequently adopted by the Peranakans as part of the groom's headgear. However, laws on the appropriate materials for the respective official ranks in Qing court were disregarded, as rank was of no importance to the Peranakans in Straits Settlements. Peranakan hat finials could be made of filigree, such as this example, or gold with studded diamonds. Peranakan wedding outfits were elaborate; different accessories and outfits were required for the 12-day traditional Peranakan wedding ceremony.
