China Poblana Sombrero

China Poblana Sombrero
Mexico. Circa 1930.

With its origins in both India and the Philippines, the colorful couture of the ‘China Poblana’ has a long and rich history in Mexico. The iconic fashion design, a unique ensemble which includes a white blouse with silk embroidery, a sequined skirt with nationalistic symbols, a white slip, a scarf, a rebozo and in some instances a sombrero, can be traced back to Catarina de San Juan, a young Indian princess who was sold into servitude and came to the New World in 1620 via Manila and Acapulco's trade route. The integration of Catarina de San Juan's exotic style combined with local traditions that had been handed down from one generation to the next came to be known as 'La China Poblana', or the 'Chinese Pueblan'. 

The hat offered here, lined in soft, supple felted wool, represents the quintessential China Poblana sombrero of the 1930's. No trimmings were spared. Elaborate hand brocaded trailing vines are supplemented by matching silver milagros, braided cords wrapped in silver thread and fancy silver ric-rac. The overall level of quality and cradftsmanship is superlative. 

Raised on a high quality custom made stand.

Dimensions: sombrero measures 21 inches diameter x 10 inches high.

Condition notes: pristine.

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