The Felt-Patterned Crown and Robes of Viscounts and Barons

The ceremonial attire of the Viscounts Zi (子): The fourth of the five ranks of traditional Chinese nobility, often translated as Viscount. and Barons Nan (男): The fifth and lowest rank of the five noble titles, often translated as Baron., starting from the Felt-Patterned Crown and Robes Cui Mian (毳冕): A high-ranking ritual ensemble. The term "Cui" refers to wool or fine animal hair. In the ritual hierarchy, this robe was distinguished by three primary motifs: the tiger, the aquatic bird (yia), and the fire motif, representing the wearer's courage and purity. and extending to the ranks below, are also worn by the Solitary Ministers Gu Qing (孤卿): Also known as the "Three Solitary Ones" (Sangu), these were high-ranking advisors who ranked just below the Three Ducal Ministers. They included the Junior Preceptor, Junior Tutor, and Junior Guardian. of the King.

The woodcut illustration accompanying this text depicts a dignitary in full ritual regalia. Like the ranks above him, he wears a "Mian" crown with a rectangular board and suspended beads. He is shown in a respectful stance, holding the ritual tablet Hu (笏): A ceremonial tablet used by officials during imperial audiences to record the ruler's instructions and to shield their faces as a sign of humility.. His robes are heavily layered, with wide sleeves and dark borders that define the structural elegance of the Ming dynasty's ritual system. This specific ensemble represents the fourth level of the "Six Crowns" system used in antiquity and recorded in the Ming encyclopedia to preserve historical continuity.