Collected Illustrations of the Three Powers: Implements (1609) - Page 20

The Hand Dance concludes here.

The Battle-axe

original: 戚 (Qī)

The Book of Rites original: 禮 (Lǐ) states: "Red shields and jade-adorned battle-axes are used to perform the Great Martial Dance original: 大武 (Dà Wǔ), a ritual dance celebrating the victory of King Wu, the founder of the Zhou Dynasty." The shield original: 干 (gàn) is used for self-protection, while the battle-axe original: 戚 (qī) is used to confront the enemy. The red shields are decorated with white metal likely tin or silver; original: 白金 (báijīn) on their backs, and the battle-axes are decorated with carved jade original: 剝玉 (bō yù) on their handles.

The Ritual Flute

original: 籥 (Yuè)

The Rites of Zhou original: 周官 (Zhōu Guān) mentions that the Master of the Flutes an official rank; original: 籥師 (Yuèshī) directs the drums and the Dance of Feathers and Flutes during sacrifices. The flute Yue is the source of the dance's sound, while the pheasant feathers Di are used to create its visual form and posture.

The Pheasant Feathers

original: 翟 (Dí)

The Di a long-tailed pheasant is one of the five types of pheasants. Its soft, downy feathers are harvested to be mounted on a staff for the dance. The Classic of Poetry original: 詩 (Shī) says: "In the right hand, they hold the pheasant feathers."

Ritual Banners, Feathered Ornaments, and Pennants
original: 纛羽葆幢 (Dào Yǔ Bǎo Chuáng)