Casual Attire (Yanfu)

The Son of Heaven's original: "天子" (Tianzi); a title for the Emperor, denoting his role as the intermediate between Heaven and Earth. casual attire Yanfu (燕服): Also known as "Banquet Attire," these were the robes worn by the Emperor during rest, private leisure, or internal palace banquets. While "casual" in a ritual sense, they were still highly regulated garments. serves as the feudal lords' original: "諸侯" (Zhuhou); the high-ranking nobility or provincial rulers who held land granted by the Emperor. court attire Chaofu (朝服): The formal robes worn by officials and lords when attending the morning audience at the imperial court..

The accompanying woodcut illustration shows a figure standing in a dignified pose. He wears a wide-sleeved robe cinched at the waist with a ceremonial sash. On his head is a flat-topped cap, and he holds a ritual tablet Hu (笏): A narrow board made of jade, ivory, or bamboo, held with both hands as a sign of respect during audiences.. This visual representation emphasizes that what was considered "relaxed" dress for the Emperor carried enough status to be the "formal" dress for his subordinates.