Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 73

Diagram of the Music for the Nine Presentations

The "Nine Presentations" refers to the sequential offerings made during a grand sacrifice—such as those to Heaven or Confucius—where music is played during each stage of the rite, from the welcoming of the spirits to their departure.

Diagram of the Music of the Four Frontier Tribes

Historically, the "Four Barbarians" (Siyi) represented the peoples surrounding ancient China. Including their music in state rituals symbolized the universal reach of the Emperor’s harmony and the submission of all corners of the world to ritual order.

Diagram of the Ritual Dancers for the Hall of Great PerfectionDacheng Dian: The central sanctuary of a Confucian Temple. This diagram likely illustrates the specific positioning of performers during the "Yayue" (Elegant Music) ceremony.

Diagram of the Dance

Diagram of the Civil DanceWenwu: One of the two primary forms of ritual dance. Performers carry a flute (yue) and pheasant feathers (di), representing the "civil" virtues of culture, education, and peace.

Diagram of the Military DanceWuwu: The counterpart to the Civil Dance. Performers carry shields (gan) and battle-axes (qi), symbolizing the "military" virtues of establishing order and protecting the state.

Diagram of the Combined Civil and Military Dances

Diagram of the Dances of the Four Frontier Tribes