The Golden Pheasant Crown and Robes of Marquises and Earls

The ceremonial attire of the Marquises Hou (侯): The second of the five ranks of nobility, often translated as Marquis. and Earls Bo (伯): The third rank of nobility, often translated as Count or Earl., starting from the Golden Pheasant Crown and Robes Bi Mian (鷩冕): A high-ranking ritual ensemble. The "Bi" refers to the golden pheasant, which was the primary motif embroidered on the robe. In the ritual hierarchy of the Ming dynasty, this set was one step below the "Gunmian" (Dragon Robes). and extending to the ranks below, are also worn by the Three Ducal Ministers San Gong (三公): The most senior civil officials in the imperial government—the Grand Preceptor, Grand Tutor, and Grand Guardian—who served as the Emperor's top advisors. of the King.

The accompanying woodcut illustration depicts a high official in full ritual regalia. He is shown wearing the "Mian" crown—a flat rectangular board with strings of beads hanging from the ends—which signified his rank and served as a reminder of his duty to remain upright. He holds a ritual tablet Hu (笏): A narrow tablet made of jade or ivory held with both hands during audiences to show respect and to record the Emperor's commands. at chest level. His wide-sleeved robes feature the distinct dark borders characteristic of the "Mianfu" system, the most formal dress code in traditional China.