Stupa Hat, Netherlands

Spiraled cap in layered ribbons of grey, rust, purple and cream on a pole.

This stupa hat of felt is from the Netherlands, and is contemporary. The stupa is a domed Buddhist monument, and its stepped, rounded profile has been echoed in many objects, including hats, boxes and ornaments. Round, domed cap built from coiled bands of felted material in charcoal, rust brown, lilac and white, spiraling up to a pale pointed tip. A solid dark brim wraps the base. It stands on a thin rod above a black plate.

A hat of many colors and not a single timid one.