This Chinese headdress belonged to Lillian Goon Dip (1900-1975) and she is shown wearing it in a circa 1925 photo in the MOHAI Collection (shs14125). Lillian was born Lillian Goon in Portland Oregon and spent most of her early life at the Milwaukee Hotel in Seattle’s Chinatown. Her father was Seattle’s Chinese consul and hotel owner, Goon Dip (circa 1862-1933). Lillian was an accomplished dancer, studying ballet with several teachers including Seattle’s well-known Mary Ann Wells. She often performed in traditional Chinese costumes. Lillian also graduated from the University of Washington in 1924. She eventually took her father’s full name as her surname, becoming Lillian Goon Dip.