hi, do you know if was there something alike a purse to be used with hanfu? i heard people would put itens in their sleeves but was wondering what other means of carrying stuff on your person were there
Hi, thanks for the question!
Yes - because Hanfu has no pockets, people would use a purse-like traditional Chinese accessory called Hebao/荷包 to carry money, personal seals, jewelry, and other odds and ends. A type of Yaopei/腰佩 (waist ornament), Hebao was usually fastened to the belt/sash.
Hebao is made of various materials, including cotton cloth and silk fabrics. It comes in a variety of shapes, including: round, oval, square, rectangular, peach, pomegranate, etc. The patterns on it can be simple or intricate, featuring flowers, birds, beasts, insects, landscapes, people, auspicious words, poetry, etc. Hebao typically comes with tassels, and jade or pearls as ornaments.
Hebao was worn not just for its utility, but also as a symbol of people’s aspiration for happiness, health, and fortune. One common type of Hebao was the perfume Hebao, which was filled with fragrant herbs, meant to ward off evil spirits and bring their carriers wealth and luck.
The custom of wearing Hebao started before the Qin Dynasty (200 BC), and it was wide-spread as a precious ornament during the Tang dynasty. By the Qing dynasty, Hebao was carried every day by nobility and common people alike. Young men and women often used it as a token of love.
The wearing of Hebao continues to the modern day, especially as the Hanfu revival movement has brought it back into fashion as a versatile, practical, and stylish Hanfu accessory.
Please see my Hebao tag for more resources. Hope this helps!
Sources/Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6