Empress’s Ceremonial Attire and Regalia

original: "皇后冠服" (Huánghòu Guānfú). This section describes the highest level of formal dress for the Empress of the Ming Dynasty.

For the headpiece and crown of the Empress of our Great Ming Dynasty, the foundation consists of a circular frame covered with kingfisher feather inlay.
original: "翡翠" (fěicuì). While often translated as jade, in the context of Ming crowns, it refers to the "tian-tsui" technique—decorating metal with the iridescent blue feathers of the kingfisher bird.
On top, it is decorated with nine dragons and four phoenixes. There are twelve large floral sprays and an equal number of small flowers. It features two "temple wings" and twelve floral hairpins.
original: "博鬢" (bóbìn). These are the wing-like ornaments that extend from the sides of the crown, covering the temples.

For the robes, she wears the Pheasant Robe.
original: "禕衣" (yīyī). This was the most formal robe, reserved for sacrifices and grand state ceremonies.
The material is deep blue in color, painted with designs of pheasants.
original: "翟" (zhái). The long-tailed pheasant was the primary symbol for the Empress, much as the dragon was for the Emperor.
These birds are colored red and arranged in twelve rows. Beneath this is a plain gauze inner garment with a patterned collar featuring the "axe" motif.
original: "黼領" (fǔ lǐng). The axe pattern is one of the "Twelve Ornaments" of imperial authority, symbolizing the power to distinguish right from wrong.
The sleeves and hems are bordered with red silk gauze.

The knee cover matches the color of the robe, edged with dark reddish-purple borders and decorated with three rows of pheasant motifs.
original: "蔽膝" (bìxī). A decorative panel hanging from the waist over the front of the skirt.
The large sash also matches the color of the robe; it is lined with red and bordered on the outside. The upper part is made of red brocade, while the lower part is of green brocade. The fastenings use blue cords.
original: "紐約" (niǔyuē). Here referring to the structural knots or cords used to secure the sash.
The leather belt is adorned with jade and blue silk cords, featuring blue mallard-shaped ornaments decorated in gold.
original: "青鳧" (qīngfú). Likely referring to a specific decorative toggle or end-piece shaped like a duck.

These garments are worn for all grand court audiences, the receiving of imperial investiture, and visits to the ancestral temple.

Casual and Private Attire

original: "燕居" (yànjū). This refers to "leisurely living" or informal time spent within the inner palace, though "informal" in this context still involves high-status finery.

When in her private quarters, the Empress wears the Double Phoenix and Flanking Dragon Crown. Her jewelry, including bangles and bracelets, is made of gold, jade, precious stones, and kingfisher feathers. She wears circular-patterned robes of various colors and a belt with gold dragon and phoenix patterns, made of gold and jade.
original: "團衫" (tuánshān). A robe featuring circular embroidered medallions, a common motif in Ming court fashion.