Crown and Robes of the Crown Princess

original: "皇太子妃冠服" (Huángtàizǐ Fēi Guānfú). This section describes the formal regalia for the wife of the heir apparent.

The crown decorations of our [Ming] Dynasty consist of nine hui pheasants and four phoenixes.
original: "翬" (huī). A species of pheasant with five-colored plumage, used to denote high rank just below the Empress.
There are nine floral hairpins, with the number of small flowers matching the number of large flowers. The crown features two "temple wings" and nine inlaid floral ornaments.
original: "博鬢" (bóbìn). These are the wing-like panels extending from the sides of the crown near the temples; "钿" (diàn) refers to inlaid floral jewelry.

The Pheasant Robe features a deep blue base material, with embroidered pheasant patterns arranged in nine ranks across both the upper robe and the lower skirt.
original: "翟衣" (zháiyī). The "Zhai" or pheasant is the primary motif for the formal wear of high-ranking women in the imperial court.
Beneath this is a blue gauze inner garment with an "axe-patterned" collar, featuring red silk and light blue borders.
original: "黼領" (fǔ lǐng). The axe pattern is one of the ancient "Twelve Ornaments" symbolizing the power to discern and cut through problems.
The knee-cover matches the color of the skirt, using green silk for the borders and decorated with embroidered pairs of pheasants in two ranks. The large sash matches the color of the robe. She wears blue socks and formal shoes.
original: "舄" (xì). These are formal, double-soled shoes worn with ceremonial dress.
Pendants and ribbons are also worn. This full ensemble is worn for major occasions such as the formal receiving of titles, assisting in imperial sacrifices, and major court audiences.

For private residence, she wears a rhinoceros horn crown carved with floral and phoenix motifs, along with bracelets and bangles of gold, jade, pearls, and kingfisher feathers as desired.
original: "燕居" (yànjū). This refers to time spent in private or at leisure, away from formal state ceremonies.
During these times, she wears the Ceremonial Robe in various colors, embroidered in gold with simurghs and phoenixes.
original: "鞠衣" (jūyī). A specific type of ritual robe for noblewomen.
The only color forbidden is yellow.
original: "唯不用黃" (wéi bù yòng huáng). Yellow was strictly reserved for the Emperor and Empress.
Belts for these occasions are made of gold, jade, or rhinoceros horn.