Liangbatou

It is a tall headdress that features two handfuls of hair, parted to each side of the head, sometimes with the addition of wire frames, extensions and ornamentation.

[1] Liangbatou was made famous by Empress Dowager Cixi and her Manchu court ladies, becoming popular and evolving starting from the Qing dynasty through the Republican Period (1910–1940s).

[2] During the 19th century, the Manchu man's queue hairstyle was mocked around the world, and symbolized national shame to anti-Manchuists in China.

[2][page needed] In theatrical shows, the image of the liangbatou worn by "boy actresses" served as imperial propaganda.

[2] The liangbatou was originally created by twisting the wearer's hair up and around a flat strip (also known as the bianfang) usually consisting of ivory, wood or precious metal.

The headdress frame was wrapped with stiffened black satin, which gave it a defined angle and sharp edges.

The bianfang began to evolve from function to fashion, allowing higher and wider headpieces that demonstrated social status.

Jade and stone hairpins were usually worn by the wealthy, while commoners donned pins made of silver and bone.

The liangbatou was distinctly different depending on group, class and region within the multi-ethnic Qing military social organization.

Manchu women decorated their liangbatou with fresh and artificial flowers that made the headdresses significantly different from the Mongol's, which lacked flowery accessories.