19th – 20th Century A.D.
The “liangbatou” (两把头) was a hairstyle/headdress worn by Manchu noblewomen during the Qing Dynasty (1644 A.D. – 1911 A.D.). The first “liangbatou” styles were achieved by wrapping one’s hair around wire frames; however, during the latter half of the Qing Dynasty, a trapezoid shaped headpiece wrapped with black satin or silk became a popular alternative. “Liangbatou” were also commonly decorated with fresh or artificial flowers and other ornaments. The style was made famous worldwide by Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧太后) and her Manchucourt ladies.
