Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Utensils, Volume 6
Page 8

Illustration of the Zhan Banner

The Rites of Zhou states that the High Ministers set up the Zhan banner; it is made of plain silk.

Original: Gūqīng (孤卿), referring to the highest-ranking advisors and ministers at the royal court. Tōngbó (通帛) refers to silk of a single, solid color without embroidered patterns.

Its length is eight feet, using a full width of fabric; streamers are attached at the end in the shape of a swallowtail.

An ancient unit of length, the xún (尋), is equivalent to approximately eight feet. The "swallowtail" (yànwěi) refers to the distinctive V-shaped split at the end of the decorative fabric pendants.

Illustration of the Qi Banner

The Rites of Zhou states that the Feudal Lords set up the Qi banner; the silk body and the pendants are painted with designs.

Original: Zhūhóu (諸侯), the regional rulers. Unlike the solid-colored Zhan, the Qi is defined by its ornate illustrations and bells.

The paintings depict ascending and descending dragons. A Duke has nine streamers, a Marquis or Earl has seven, and a Viscount or Baron has five.

This hierarchy reflects the five ranks of nobility: Gōng (Duke), Hóu (Marquis), Bó (Earl), Zǐ (Viscount), and Nán (Baron). The number of streamers (liú) served as a clear visual marker of the owner's specific rank within the feudal system.