Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms original: 三才圖會 Sancai Tuhui; a renowned Ming dynasty encyclopedia compiled by Wang Qi and Wang Siyi, published in 1609.

Clothing, Section Two

Page Thirty

Ceremonial Headwear and Clothing for Titled Women of the Inner and Outer Courts

original: 內外命婦冠服 Neiwai mingfu guanfu. "Inner" refers to the imperial consorts and palace ladies, while "Outer" refers to the wives and mothers of officials and nobles who were granted titles by the Emperor.

original: 冠 guan. This elaborate headdress was a key indicator of rank. For the highest-ranking women, these were decorated with phoenixes, dragons, and countless pearls and gemstones.

original: 釵 chai. Unlike a single-pronged pin (bi), a chai typically has two prongs. These examples are topped with intricate floral motifs, likely representing peonies or other auspicious blooms.

original: 髻 ji. In the Ming dynasty, this often referred to the diji, a structural frame made of gold, silver, or iron wire. It was worn over the natural hair to provide the base for attaching the heavy crown and various jewelry pieces.

original: 鐶 huan. These represent the pendant-style earrings worn by noblewomen. The term huan refers specifically to the circular or hooked element from which decorative jade or gold ornaments would hang.