Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Clothing, Volume 2

Page 3

The Leather Belt

original: "革帶" (Gédài). This is a rigid, formal belt used in Ming dynasty court attire. Unlike a functional belt, it was primarily a vehicle for rank-signifying plaques made of jade, gold, or horn. It was worn loosely around the outer robe, often resting on the hips or suspended by loops, creating a distinctive silhouette that marked the wearer as a high-ranking official or member of the imperial household.

The Grand Sash

original: "大帶" (Dàdài). A ceremonial silk sash or girdle. Unlike the rigid leather belt, the Grand Sash was made of soft fabric and featured long hanging streamers known as shen. It was tied around the waist over the robe, symbolizing the "bound" or disciplined nature of the Confucian gentleman. The colors of the sash and its borders were strictly regulated according to the wearer's social standing.

Leather Belt original: "革帶" (Gédài). A stiff belt decorated with plaques indicating the wearer's official rank.
Grand Sash original: "大帶" (Dàdài). A wide silk sash with decorative hanging ends used in formal and ritual dress.
Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms original: "三才圖會" (Sāncái Túhuì). The monumental 1609 Ming dynasty encyclopedia from which these diagrams are taken.
Clothing original: "衣服" (Yīfú). The general term for the historical system of dress and the regulations governing it.