In the ever-changing river of history, the hairstyles of ancient women were not just a display of beauty but also a direct reflection of the culture and social ethos of their times. Ranging from simple and modest to lavish and complex, and from the common folk to the imperial court, each hairstyle carried profound cultural significance and social meaning. They were not only a showcase of hairdressing art but also witnesses to historical transitions. Join us on this beautiful exploration through history as we review the evolution of Chinese women's hairstyles, starting from the 'top'.
Qin Dynasty
The 'Shenxian Ji' was a popular hairstyle during the Qin Dynasty, later evolving into the 'Twelve Ring Ji', with multiple interconnected rings, signifying opulence. The name 'Shenxian' (meaning 'fairy' or 'immortal'), comes from mythological stories. It is said that the hairstyle of the celestial 'Wangmu Niangniang' was immensely beautiful and became highly sought after by noblewomen of the time, thus representing the epitome of elegance in hairdressing.
Han Dynasty
- Yunbin: This was one of the most typical hairstyles of the Han Dynasty, characterized by cloud-like curls at the temples, exuding elegance and grace.
- Qiaoji: Another popular style was the Qiaoji, where hair was coiled atop the head, forming a towering bun, reflecting the dignity and nobility of Han women.
- In general, women from wealthy Han families often wore high buns adorned with luxurious accessories, whereas commoners opted for simpler styles like the 'Zhuima Ji', named after the look of falling off a horse while riding.
Tang Dynasty
- High Bun: The Tang Dynasty witnessed the most extravagant and diverse hairstyles in ancient Chinese history. The high bun was a hallmark of this era, where hair was piled high atop the head, creating an imposing look.
- Phoenix Coronet
- Feixian Ji: Influenced by the images of celestial beings in Tang Dynasty paintings, the Feixian Ji became a popular hairstyle, embodying an ethereal beauty.
Song Dynasty
- Wan Ji: Compared to the Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty hairstyles were more modest and reserved. The Wan Ji involved simply coiling the hair on top of the head, reflecting the refined and introspective culture of the Song era.
- Liuyun Ji: The Liuyun Ji, based on the Wan Ji, allowed some strands of hair to naturally fall down like flowing clouds, showcasing the gentle and serene beauty of Song women.
Ming and Qing Dynasties
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Manchu-Han Blended Styles: Entering the Ming and Qing periods, especially during the Qing Dynasty with the Manchu ruling, the fusion of Manchu and Han cultures led to increasingly intricate and decorative hairstyles. These styles often combined traditional Han elements with Manchu characteristics, including the use of numerous hair ornaments and detailed designs.
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In early Qing, women styled their hair in two buns, decorated only with fresh flowers, without any jewelry. The two-bun hairstyle was relatively complex, involving dividing the hair into two sections at the crown and coiling them around a long, flat hairpin as a base. Once the hair was styled into a horizontal bun at the top, another pin was used to secure it, with the remaining hair combed into a flat, swallowtail bun at the back of the head.
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During the Kangxi and Qianlong periods, an abundance of exquisite hair ornaments such as hairpins, combs, tassels, and flowers made from precious materials emerged, adorning the two buns.
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By the late Qing Dynasty, the so-called 'Banner Head' or 'Da Lachi' became popular. This style involved placing a flat, banner-like headdress on top of the bun at the crown. The banner was made of green velvet or plain green satin, decorated with various jewels on the front and tassels on the sides. The length of the tassels indicated the wearer's social status.
The evolution of ancient women's hairstyles was not just a change in fashion trends but a profound reflection of historical and cultural developments. Each period's hairstyle mirrored the societal ethos, aesthetic concepts, and even the political climate of the time. They also served as historical testimonies of women's status, societal views, and cultural aesthetics. Having read this article, which dynasty's hairstyle do you find most appealing?