Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Utensils and Equipment, Volume 12

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The Sounding Staff

Original: Xiǎngjié (響節). This was a ceremonial sounding device used in imperial processions. As seen in the illustration, it features a spindle-shaped rattle at the top of a long pole. It was used to signal the pace of a march or to alert the crowd to the approach of a high-ranking official.

The Golden Tally-Staff

Original: Jīnjié (金節). A 'jie' was historically a symbol of imperial authority or a "tally" given to envoys traveling on the Emperor's business. By the Ming Dynasty, the Golden Tally-Staff had become a highly decorative ritual object, featuring a golden head often adorned with banners or tassels as depicted in the woodcut.

The Ritual Mace

Original: Gǔduǒ (骨朶). This term refers to a mace with a rounded, flower-bud shaped head. While originally a functional weapon of war, in the context of the imperial honor guard, these were decorative symbols of the sovereign’s power to enforce the law. They were typically held by guards flanking the Emperor's path.