This item was made by me in the United States, based on historical Persian examples.
This diadem headdress is historically based. My area of specialty is ‘all things Persian’, so I originally developed this pattern based on Central Asian resources from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. However, this hat style pops up in multiple places. It shows up first in classical sources for ancient Greece and Rome. From there, it shows up in Byzantine fashion but is typically taller than the classical examples.
Separately, the shape appears in Persian art beginning in the 13th century but there are some interesting examples that may push the style earlier in Central Asia. I suspect that the intersection of the classical/Byzantine diadem and the Persian taj gave rise to the Russian kokoshnik. If you want more detailed information and images, message me.
The diadem is constructed with padded, flexible base and ties at the back so that it is adjustable.
Additional colors available by request.
This taj is plain, so you can ornament it yourself. The style of ornament does vary by culture. This style of hat, without ornament, is also appropriate for Roman historical dress.
It has adjustable tie in the back. This allows you to get the right fit over a variety of under-veils from very light to heavy scarves for cold weather.
[Please remember that different computer screens render color differently. I do my best to photograph the items accurately and to describe a color in detail. Even then, the color you see on your screen may not accurately reflect the real color. If you need an exact color match, please message me and I can take additional photographs and provide additional details so we can make sure you get what you need.]
Historical research notes:
The Persian taj, or diadem is a critical element of Persian medieval women’s dress.It is very rare to see depictions of women with their hair entirely uncovered.Usually there is some combination of a veil or kerchief, and a veil band as the base layer on the head.Women of noble birth are frequently depicted in art of the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries wearing a taj or diadem over the veil as a mark of status or rank.
I have studied these headdresses and their depiction in art for many years and I absolutely adore making them.This simple peaked shape is common, as is an arrangement of plaques with pointed tops.Other veils can be layered over or under the taj and frequently there is a band of pearls under the chin and a spray of feathers or flowers at the front.
These headdresses are light-weight and easy to wear.They will stay in place while engaged in Classical Persian dance and historical re-enactment activities.
I currently know of no extant example of a taj, but I have been able to study many extant hats from Central Asia and can make some conjectures about how they might have been made.
Other hats or headdresses of the period were made with a base of stiffened leather, or coarse fabric stiffened with glue (essentially a very sturdy buckrum).Other examples include birch bark or basketry bases.I make the base for these hats out of plastic canvas due to its light weight, durability, resistance to moisture and easy of handling.
The base is padded with fleece or wool and covered with a decorative fabric.I typically use silk or a high-quality artificial silk.Most depictions of tajs show them to be ornamented though I do sell these plain ones so that you can decorate them yourself or use them for reproducing Roman or Italian hats of the same shape. This hat shape is also appropriate for Russian and Byzantine.
The last four images are historical representations of the style, not included in your purchase.
If you would like more specific guidance on whether this style will work for your intended purpose, please message me and I can give more specific information.
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