The Ceremonial Robe and Crown of the High Duke

The garments of the High Duke Shanggong (上公): The highest of the five ranks of nobility (Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, Baron). In the Ming dynasty, this often referred to the most senior meritorious officials or members of the imperial family., starting from the Ceremonial Robe and Crown Gunmian (衮冕): The most prestigious ritual ensemble. It consists of a "Gun" (a robe embroidered with dragons and other cosmic symbols) and a "Mian" (a crown featuring a rectangular board with strings of beads hanging from the front and back). downwards, are worn when paying courtly visits original: "朝聘" (chaoping); formal diplomatic audiences or seasonal visits made by lords to the Emperor. to the Son of Heaven original: "天子" (Tianzi); the Emperor. and when assisting in ritual sacrifices original: "助祭" (zhuji); the duty of high officials to participate in state ceremonies conducted at the Altar of Heaven or the Imperial Ancestral Temple..

The illustration shows a figure of high status in formal ritual posture. He wears a wide-sleeved robe with distinct borders and a ceremonial crown with a flat top. In his hands, he clasps a ritual tablet Hu (笏): An oblong tablet made of jade, ivory, or bamboo. It was held by officials during audiences as a mark of rank and as a practical tool for jotting down the Emperor's instructions. held respectfully toward his face.