Wu Sha Mao 乌纱帽, Ancient Chinese Black Gauze Hat

What is Wu Sha Mao? Why is losing an official position called losing Wu Sha Mao?

Wu Sha Mao (乌纱帽; wū shā mào) was originally a common kind of hat among the people and first appeared in the Eastern Jin dynasty.

However, there was no such name as “Mao (hat)” at that time, but “Wu Sha”.

As a part of the “official uniform”, it began in the Sui dynasty and flourished in the Tang dynasty.

In the Song dynasty, wings were added.

Wu Sha Mao was designated as an “official hat” in the Ming dynasty.