People of influence would place their hats on the top of a stand like this when they came home. This porcelain one is decorated with two birds called ‘Chinese Bulbuls’ and Peony blossoms. ‘Bulbuls’ (baitouweng) and Peony flowers (fuguihua) are a pun ‘May husband and wife become old together in harmony and may they enjoy prosperity and high status’ (fugui baitou). The ‘bulbuls’ have white heads just like an old couple. And one of the many names of the Peony is Flower of Wealth and Status (fuguihua). The calligraphy on the side of the hat stand was, according to its text, copied from a famous calligrapher. The four large characters read 富贵白头 (fu gui bai tou) which means Long life and Prosperity. The artist’s name Zang Yun Ying (张雲莺) is also mentioned. Originally there would have been a pair of these hat stands in mirror image but one apparently did not survive the hazards of time. It dates from the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Height 28.2 cm. Diameter12.2 cm. Excellent condition.