Quick Answer: What Is a Dongpo Jin?
The Dongpo jin (东坡巾, Dōngpō jīn) is a tall scholar’s hat named for Northern Song writer Su Shi (苏轼, Sū Shì), also known as Su Dongpo.[1]
- Silhouette: Historical descriptions emphasise a tall upper form and a short brim.[1]
- Construction: A lower outer layer can sit around the higher centre.[2][3]
- Context: Later portraits helped make it a recognisable literati accessory.[1]
The association helps identify the hat in art. The name also acquired variants outside China.[1][4]
A Tall Crown and Lower Outer Walls
A Ming illustrated reference shows a raised centre surrounded by lower outer walls. Another analysis describes a break above the brow where the two layers can be read separately. From a front view, look for the meeting of the outer wall’s edges above the brow. A side view makes the difference in height easier to judge. Compare the shape with earlier futou and with official hats when the scene is formal.[2][3]
From Su Shi’s Hat to a Portrait Convention
A Song name for the style drew on Su Shi’s courtesy name, Zizhan (子瞻, Zǐzhān). The Dongpo name became established by the Ming. Earlier high hats had already circulated, although later tradition credited Su Shi with the invention.[1]
The National Museum of Korea identifies a high hat in the portrait of scholar Seo Jik-su as a Korean form named for Dongpo. It sits above a long overcoat.[4]
A Japanese hanging scroll depicts Su Shi in a wide-brimmed bamboo hat and clogs, recalling a rainstorm during his Hainan exile. The shape differs from the tall hat.[5]
Wearing a Dongpo Jin Today
Compare the crown height and brow line with the reference you are following. Fit the hat over your intended hairstyle and look down to see whether the base shifts. For a historical ensemble, choose a scholar robe from a compatible place and period. A later portrait can guide a portrait-inspired outfit even when it offers little detail about how the hat was made.
FAQs About the Dongpo Jin
Did Su Shi Invent the Dongpo Jin?
The name reflects his influence. Its high, short-brimmed profile has earlier antecedents in scholar headwear.[1]
Is the Dongpo Jin the Hat in the Bamboo Hat and Clogs Story?
The hat in the story is the wide-brimmed borrowed one. The Dongpo jin is the tall literati style.[1][5]
How Can I Recognise It in a Portrait?
Look for the high upper form, short brim and low surrounding wall. Date and place matter, especially when comparing regional versions.[1][3][4]
Sources
[1] Wu Bi. The Filiation of the Dongpo Hat
[2] Palace Museum Journal. Ming Scholar Headwear and the Dongpo Hat
[3] Palace Museum Journal. Costume and Dating in The Night Revels of Han Xizai
[4] National Museum of Korea. Portrait of Seo Jik-su
[5] The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Su Shi in a Bamboo Hat and Clogs