Gold Filigree Hat Ornament with Inlaid Gems

This ornament is crafted from gold wire, overlaid in twisting filigree patterns and then welded into a complex form. Much of the goldware unearthed from Prince Zhuang's tomb is filigree work, which gives the pieces an exquisite three-dimensional effect.

This hat ornament consists of a filigree gold base with five layers. The bottom layer is an open six-petal lotus, with six large gems set one in each petal. The second layer is a circular base set with six large gems. The third layer is the 12-petal lotus opening upwards. The fourth layer has six cloud-patterned supports and six small gems. The fifth and top layer is an eight-petal lotus flower with an oval support in the center. There are two small holes in the support that would have allowed a precious stone to be wired at the very top of the ornament. Although the top stone has been lost, this does not affect the beauty of the gold filigree work and gemstones.