[Hanfu · 漢服]Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)Traditional Crown & Hanfu In Cdrama 【藏海传/The Legend of Zang Hai】
【Historical Artifacts Reference 】:
🔶𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁: 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶 𝗬𝗶𝗻𝗴‘𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗫𝘂 𝗫𝗶𝘂 李璿妻许秀画像 |National Museum of China Collection
Noble Elegance: The Attire of a Ming Dynasty Lady of Rank
In imperial Ming Dynasty China, a "Gaoming Furen" (诰命夫人)—a titled lady granted honors by the court—was a figure of dignity and authority. Her attire reflected her noble standing, with garments and accessories that clearly distinguished her from commoners. Whether entering the palace or walking among the people, her presence was unmistakable. Here’s a breakdown of her formal ensemble:
👑 Diguān (翟冠) – Pheasant Crown
A unique crown reserved for noblewomen below the rank of empress, decorated with “Di” birds—long-tailed pheasants resembling phoenixes. These birds symbolized high status, second only to the phoenix. The number of pheasants and gold ornaments indicated rank:
Dukes’ and top-grade ladies: 5 pearl pheasants + 2 gold pheasants holding pearl tassels
2nd–4th rank: 4 pearl pheasants + 2 gold pheasants
5th–6th rank: 3 pearl pheasants + 2 silver-gilded gold pheasants
7th–9th rank: 2 pearl pheasants + 2 silver-gilded gold pheasants
👘 Xiapèi (霞帔) – Regal Cape
Known also as "xiāpī" or "pī bó," this evolved from a shawl-like drape into a vest-like garment by the Qing dynasty. Originally worn by imperial concubines, it became a status symbol for titled women. Embroidered with birds like pheasants, peacocks, or mandarin ducks, the center panel—bǔzi—featured motifs based on the husband’s or son’s official rank. Only military wives or mothers used bird, not beast, patterns.
💎 Zhuìzi (坠子) – Pendant Tassels
More than just a way to fix the xiapèi in place, these ornate pendants became a ritualistic emblem of rank. Often crafted from gold, silver, or jade, they took shapes like hearts, circles, hexagons, or horseshoes. Birds and floral motifs dominated, with phoenixes appearing in the tombs of princesses and duchesses. Placement varied—from the lower end of the xiapèi in Song and Yuan, to multiple positions on the garment in the Ming.
Yuanlingpao (圆领袍): Round-collar robe worn underneath
Hongdashan (红大衫): A large red outercoat
Gédài (革带): A formal belt
Xiangfu (象笏): An ivory tablet held during court ceremonies
This opulent layering was not just fashion—it was a visual hierarchy of power, virtue, and dynasty-defined identity. Imagine carrying the entire weight of the empire's order and honor on your shoulders… in silk, feathers, and gold.