During the CCTV Spring Festival special Golden Snake Dance: The Flavor of Chinese New Year (金蛇起舞•中国年味), actress Wang Churan (王楚然) made a stunning appearance in traditional Hanfu attire. However, it wasn’t her flowing robes that caught the audience’s attention—it was her hairstyle. Two neatly trimmed strands of hair framing her face led some viewers to question: Was this a nod to Japanese hime cut (公主切), or a genuine representation of ancient Chinese fashion?
The Truth Behind the Hairstyle
The hairstyle in question, known as chuishao ji (垂髾髻), dates back to the Han (206 BCE–220 CE) and Jin (266–420 CE) dynasties. Historical artworks like Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies (女史箴图) and The Wise and Benevolent Women (列女仁智图) depict women with high buns adorned with strands of hair neatly trimmed at the temples. This style, often enhanced with hairpieces, was a hallmark of aristocratic fashion during the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The chuishao ji wasn’t just a random choice—it was a deliberate aesthetic statement. The trimmed strands, known as fenshao (分髾), were meant to frame the face elegantly, creating a balance between structure and softness. Archaeological findings, such as jade carvings from the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) and murals from the Eastern Han Dynasty, further confirm the popularity of this hairstyle among noblewomen.
The Accessories: A Touch of Royalty
Wang Churan’s look was elevated by a pair of gold buyao (步摇) hairpins, modeled after artifacts unearthed in Liangzhou, Gansu Province. These hairpins, featuring a central bird motif surrounded by four floral petals, were a symbol of high status during the Han Dynasty. Unlike simpler designs, which lacked the bird motif, these intricate pieces were worn in pairs and designed to sway with the wearer’s movements, embodying the phrase: “As she walks, the flowers tremble, and the jade tinkles.”
Why the Debate?
The confusion over Wang Churan’s hairstyle highlights a broader issue: the blending of cultural aesthetics in modern media. The hime cut, a Japanese style characterized by straight, chin-length strands, bears a superficial resemblance to the chuishao ji. However, the two originate from distinct cultural contexts and serve different purposes.
In recent years, some Chinese period dramas and photo shoots have misrepresented the chuishao ji, either by making the strands too thick or by styling them haphazardly. This has led to a loss of the hairstyle’s original elegance and historical significance. Wang Churan’s look, by contrast, stays true to its roots, showcasing the delicate balance between tradition and modernity.
A Nod to Hanfu Elegance
Wang Churan’s Hanfu ensemble, a traditional jiaoling ruqun (交领襦裙) with a floor-length skirt, complemented her hairstyle perfectly. The flowing silhouette and intricate details reflected the opulence of Han and Jin Dynasty fashion, while the chuishao ji and buyao hairpins added a touch of regal sophistication.
While Wang Churan’s look may have sparked debate, it also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about China’s rich sartorial heritage. The chuishao ji and buyao are not mere fashion statements—they are windows into a bygone era, where every hairstyle and accessory carried deep cultural meaning.
As Hanfu continues to gain popularity, it’s crucial to approach its revival with both creativity and respect for historical accuracy. After all, understanding our past is the first step toward building cultural confidence.
