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[Hanfu · 漢服] China Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)Traditional Clothing Hanfu Photoshoots

Everyday Court Attire of the Ming Empress: The Yanju Crown and Garment (燕居冠服) and Its Symbolism

The everyday attire of empresses in the Ming dynasty of China was also known as Yanju Crown and Garment（燕居冠服）. Its function ranked only second to formal ceremonial dress and it was used for various ritual occasions. For example, after an empress was officially invested, once she completed the thanksgiving rites in full ceremonial dress, she would return to the palace, change into the Yanju Crown and Garment（燕居冠服）, and then receive congratulatory greetings from her inner-family relatives, as well as from the Six Offices female officials (六尚女官) and the eunuchs of the various supervisory directorates (各监局内使).

The Double-Phoenix Supporting Dragon Crown（双凤翊龙冠） was the Yanju crown of the empress （燕居冠）. The Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty (《明会典》) provides a detailed description of its form:

“The Double-Phoenix Supporting Dragon Crown （双凤翊龙冠） was made of black gauze （皂縠）, adorned with kingfisher-feather Boshan ornaments （翠博山）. On the crown was one golden dragon （金龙）, flanked by two pearl-and-kingfisher phoenixes （珠翠凤）, each holding pearl pendants （珠滴） in their beaks. At the front and back were two pearl peony flowers （珠牡丹花）, each with eight stamens （蕊头八个）, thirty-six kingfisher leaves （翠叶三十六叶）, and two side ornaments inlaid with pearls and kingfisher feathers （珠翠穰/镶花鬓）. There were twenty-one pearl-and-kingfisher cloud motifs （珠翠云二十一片）, one pair of kingfisher mouth rings （翠口圈）, and nine golden treasure floral ornaments （金宝钿花九）, each set with one pearl （上饰珠九颗）. A pair of golden phoenixes （金凤一对） held pearl knots （珠结） in their beaks. There were six Boshan side panels （三博鬓，左右共六扇）, decorated with luan and phoenix motifs （鸾凤）, twenty-four golden treasure ornaments （金宝钿二十四）, with pearl pendants hanging from the edges （边垂珠滴）. The crown was also fitted with one pair of golden hairpins （金簪一对） and one pair of coral phoenix beaks （珊瑚凤冠觜/嘴一副）.”

As everyday attire, the Yanju crown （燕居冠） was worn together with the everyday robe （常服大衫） and the ceremonial cape （霞帔）.

As shown in the images above many China Ming dynasty empresses are depicted wearing the Yanju crown （燕居冠） while dressed in bright yellow or nearly orange colours robes reflecting a standardized and recognizable visual representation of empressly attire during the Ming dynasty.Although the Yanju crowns worn by each empress differ in their specific details, this variation reflects the fact that each crown was individually crafted by artisans for a particular empress, and, following the empress's death, was required to be buried together with her as part of the burial goods.

There are also extant crowns excavated from Ming dynasty imperial tombs. Among them below crown belonging to Empress Xiaoduan (孝端皇后), unearthed from a Ming imperial mausoleum, as shown in the following images

Unearthed in 1957 from the Dingling Mausoleum of the Ming Thirteen Tombs in Changping District, Beijing （1957年北京市昌平区明十三陵定陵出土）.

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📸Photo:@虞小姐古装摄影

🔗Xiaohongshu:https://www.xiaohongshu.com/discovery/item/695f6d8b000000000a0282a0?source=webshare&xhsshare=pc_web&xsec_token=ABtjwhnXtT1go1rBFKSQHo77tDAjWDiO7wQijANpwOaDc=&xsec_source=pc_share

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hanfugallery

chinese hanfu in shenxian神仙/immortal style by 丹青绘

chinesehanfu

[Hanfu・漢服]Chinese Tang Dynasty(618–907AD) Hanfu Photoshoots By 臨溪摄影 Linseaphoto

A Requiem for a Tang Dynasty Lady — Inspired by the Elegance of the Past

Makeup and styling inspired by: History scholar “Yanwang” Hypothesis & Tang Dynasty female officials’ stone reliefs

🧚‍♀️Model: @清音音音音

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In the prime of her youth, life was cut short—

Yet the lavish burial ornaments she left behind now whisper of an identity at odds with her tragic end.

The inspiration for this look is drawn from the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, reimagined through both historical texts and the graceful stone carvings of imperial court women. The intricate crown of Li Chui, the refined silhouette of her attire—each detail tells a story of a noblewoman lost to time.

She may have been born into privilege, yet her fate did not reflect the power her surname once held. In the turbulent backdrop of the Wu Zhou court’s political intrigues, even royal blood could not guarantee protection.

Years passed. Her name faded.

But her burial treasures—long buried—emerged once more, inviting a quiet act of remembrance.

This recreation is more than a visual homage. It is a silent dialogue between present and past. An attempt to offer a belated comfort, a moment of shared empathy across dynasties, for not just one ill-fated princess, but for every woman of the Tang court whose story was never told in full.

May this look be a gentle tribute—

Not only to her elegance, but to her humanity.

For those interested in the historical analysis of Tang dynasty princesses’ hair ornaments, please refer to the post linked below.

💬 1 🔁 39 ❤️ 121 · [Hanfu · 漢服]Chinese Tang Dynasty(618–907AD)Traditional Crown & Hanfu In Cdrama 【国色芳华/Flourished Peony】 · ♦ 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿

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📸Photo：@臨溪摄影 Linseaphoto

🔗Xiaohongshu App：https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5a331a154eacab583950324f?xsec_token=YBFGVF7bdbF0sXRZVFipFZ7k_R0w5U4RjtU0iGrTWo0WQ=&xsec_source=app_share&xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=5c4d826000000000110077bd&apptime=1748077698&share_id=f2413e5acd9f4077b3a06fec90e78ce8

臨溪摄影Linseaphoto在「小红书」上有1万+位粉丝，已关注10+人，来「小红书」查看更多臨溪摄影Linseaphoto分享的视频和笔记

hanfugallery

chinese hanfu | makeup and hairstyle in tang dynasty style

chinoiseriene

TianTsui or DianCui 点翠 "dotting with kingfishers" is a style of Chinese art featuring kingfisher feathers.

For 2,000 years, the Chinese have been using the iridescent blue feathers of kingfisher birds as an inlay for fine art objects and adornment, from hairpins, headdresses, and fans to panels and screens. While Western art collectors have focused on other areas of Chinese art including porcelain, lacquer ware, sculpture, cloisonné, silk and paintings, kingfisher art is relatively unknown outside of China.

With kingfisher birds becoming a protected species, contemporary artisans have turned to innovative substitutes instead of kingfisher feathers, such as blue-dyed silk and synthetic feathers.

Here’s a miniature model of a Chinese garden, colored with blue kingfisher feathers. Qing dynasty, 19th century.

chinoiseriene

Carved green jade vase with coral flowers. China, 20th century.

Carved dark jade vase with coral branches. China, 19th century.

Carved prasiolite (green quartz) vase with coral branches. China, 20th century.

Gemstone carving is one of China's most ancient and important art forms. It is a craft steeped in history and tradition, continually reflecting the philosophy and culture of the Chinese people.

By traditional Chinese definition, hardstones are divided into two categories: jade, which is the mineral nephrite, and all other precious and semi-precious stones. Jade is considered the most esteemed gem of all and associated with many desirable qualities in humans.

hanfugallery

Chinese knots 中国结 Zhongguojie on xiaohongshu (cr 贰肆（半尔）,苏连城, 浅酌花下眠, PPBIAO, 小靴0)

hanfugallery

Chinese fengguan凤冠(phoenix crown) and hair ornaments for weddings

hinducosmos

Kundika (Water bottle) A Gilt Copper Alloy Mounted Rock Crystal Kundika. (via Bonhams) Circa 15th And 19th Century. China And Nepal. 30 cm (11 ¾ in.) high.

This rare work of art marries expert Chinese stone carving and Newari metalwork. The vessel’s pear-shaped body, made of clear rock crystal, has been hollowed and carved with three undulating chilong (hornless dragons) in high relief.

chinesehanfu

[Hanfu · 漢服]Chinese Tang Dynasty (618–907AD) Traditional Clothing Hanfu Based On Tang Dynasty Dunhuang Mural

【Historical Reference Artifacts】:

China Tang Dynasty Dunhuang Mural《Donor in Cave 9 of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes/莫高窟第9窟供养人像》

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📸Photo：@佳期阁

🧚🏻‍Model ：Owner of 佳期阁

👗Hanfu: @佳期阁

🔗Weibo：https://weibo.com/6614078088/OFh3sakl9?pagetype=profilefeed

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hanfugallery

扇子shanzi (chinese fan), fashion accessories for chinese hanfu

sifu-kisu

關羽

Guan Yu, Deity of Martialdom

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The 24th day of the sixth lunar month [1] is celebrated in the honour of the birthday of Guan Yu [關羽], who was a Chinese general during the late Eastern Han dynasty. He was serving under the command of Liu Bei and played a major part in the founding of the state of Shu Han by Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms period. Guan Yu was bestowed the status of a deity in the Sui dynasty (581–618), and is revered as bodhisattva in Buddhism and as a guardian deity in Taoism. Furthermore, Confucianists also hold him in high regard. Kristofer Schipper in《The Taoist Body》describes Guan Yu as “a model of loyalty and courage, the incarnation of the chivalric spirit, protector of the Manchu dynasty and patron of merchants..[and] a hero of the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-265). Guan Yu, moreover, is known by his religious names of Emperor Guan [guan di 關帝] and Duke Guan [guan gong 關公], Holy Emperor Lord Guan [guan sheng di jun 關聖帝君]. His other posthumous titles include Guan, the Loyal and Righteous God of War, the Holy Great Deity [zhong yi shen wu guan sheng da di 義神武關聖大帝], Guan the Holy Great Deity; God of War Manifesting Benevolence, Bravery and Prestige; Protector of the Country and Defender of the People; Proud and Honest Supporter of Peace and Reconciliation; Promoter of Morality, Loyalty and Righteousness [ren yong wei xian hu guo bao min jing cheng sui jing yi zan xuan de zhong yi shen wu guan sheng da di 仁勇護國保民精誠綏靖翊贊宣德忠義神武關聖大帝] and Holy Emperor Guan, the Great God Who Subdues Demons in the Three Worlds and Whose Awe Spreads Far and Moves Heaven [san jie fu mo da shen wei yuan zhen tian zun guan sheng di jun 三界伏魔大神威遠震天尊關聖帝君). The last name reflects the common people worship for him for his control over evil Spirit and, thus, statues of him can be found ubiquitously in restaurants and hotels. While Confucius is referred to as the Sage of Culture [wen sheng 文聖]; Guan Yu takes the counterpart as the Sage of War [wu sheng 武聖]. Despite his common appellation in the West as God of War, Guan Yu, he does not grant blessing to those who go to war or battle, but rather to those who abide by the code of brotherhood and righteousness. Thus, he has become a symbol of loyalty and integrity, so he is not only a natural favourite of soldiers but has been chosen as patron of numerous trades and professions. The following story from《Records of the Three Kingdoms》[san guo zhi 三国志] is to exemplify and demonstrate Guan Yu’s bravery and unflinching willpower:

羽尝为流矢所中，贯其右臂，后创虽愈，每至阴雨，骨常疼痛。医曰：“矢镞有毒，毒入于骨，当破臂作创，刮骨去毒，然后此患乃除耳。”羽便伸臂令医劈之。时羽适请诸将饮食相对，臂血流离，盈于盘器，而羽割炙引酒，言笑自若。

When [Guan] Yu experienced being hit by a stray arrow, piercing his right arm, [although] after the wound had completely healed, every time arriving at Yin-rains, the bone constantly was in pain. The doctor said: The arrowhead was poisonous, [and] the poison has entered the bone. After the bone is scraped and the poison removed, thereupon this suffering will be eliminated. [Guan] Yu then stretched out [his] arm and ordered the doctor to split it open. At the time when [Guan] Yu just invited all the generals to eat and drink opposite [of him], his arm’s blood dripped departing [ his body], filling a tray utensil, yet [Guan] Yu cut the roast and was involved in drinking, speaking and laughing [in a] composed [way].

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[1] Since this date is fixed by the Chinese lunar or farmer’s calendar, its converted Gregorian calendar date will differ from year to year, depending on when the Chinese New Year commences.