Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Page Eleven

The Ceremonial Garments of the Crown Prince

original: "衮服" (Gǔnfú). This is the formal upper robe worn by the Emperor and the Crown Prince during the most solemn state rituals, such as sacrifices to Heaven and Earth. For a Crown Prince, it was typically decorated with nine of the "Twelve Ancient Ornaments," including dragons and mountains.

Ceremonial Robe (衮服, Gǔnfú): A heavy silk robe, usually black or dark blue, representing the heavens. It is the most essential part of the ritual wardrobe.

The illustration shows the wide sleeves and the arrangement of sacred motifs. On the shoulders, one can see the "Mountain" (symbolizing stability) and "Dragons" (symbolizing the power of adaptation). These images were not merely decorative but served as moral reminders of the virtues a ruler or heir must possess.

original: "裳" (Cháng). This refers to the wrap-around ceremonial skirt that accompanies the upper robe.

Lower Garment (裳, Cháng): An ankle-length, pleated skirt, typically made of red silk to represent the earth.

The skirt is tied at the waist over the robe. In the traditional "Gunmian" system, the skirt is decorated with motifs that complement the upper robe, such as the sacrificial axe (symbolizing the power to judge), the "fu" pattern (symbolizing discernment), and stalks of aquatic grass (symbolizing purity).

Context of the Ritual Set

Together, the Nine-Tasseled Crown, the Ceremonial Robe, and the Lower Garment constitute the "Gunmian" (Crown and Robe) attire. When the Crown Prince wears this set, he is visually positioned as a cosmic mediator between the people and the divine, second only to the Emperor in his ritual responsibilities.