The Leather Cap (Pi Bian)

For holding morning court Shi Chao (視朝): The formal daily assembly where the Emperor met with his ministers to conduct the administrative business of the state., the Leather Cap Costume Pi Bian Fu (皮弁服): A highly prestigious ceremonial outfit. In the Ming dynasty hierarchy, it was the standard dress for the Emperor when receiving officials or during certain minor sacrifices. is used; it is made of deerskin original: "Lu pi" (鹿皮). Traditionally, the cap was constructed from several strips of white deerskin sewn together. Small colorful jade or pearl beads were often placed along the seams to resemble the "stars" of the sky..

The accompanying illustration shows a high official or the Emperor in the Pi Bian costume. He wears the characteristic pleated cap and holds a ritual tablet (hu), standing in a posture of formal readiness.