Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Clothing, Volume 1

The Dark Ceremonial Crown

For the performance of the Lesser Ritual Sacrifices Qun Xiao Si (群小祀): A category of rites dedicated to minor spirits of the natural world, such as those presiding over specific mountains, forests, streams, and marshes., the Dark Ceremonial Crown original: "Xuan Mian" (玄冕). "Xuan" refers to a deep, dark red-black color representing the primordial heavens. This was the lowest-ranking of the "Six Crowns" (Liu Mian) in the classical ritual system. is worn.

The upper robe features no symbolic motifs original: "Wu Zhang" (無章). While higher-ranking robes were adorned with dragons, flames, or stars, this robe remains plain to signify its lower position in the ritual order., while the lower skirt original: "Chang" (裳) features one symbolic motif.

The crown is adorned with six hanging tassels Liu (旒): Strands of jade beads that hang from the front and back of the ceremonial cap, designed to sway and remind the wearer to maintain a steady, dignified posture. arranged across both the front and the back.