Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 18: Ceremonial Systems, Part Two

Page Three

A spatial diagram illustrates the arrangement of ritual objects and officials for a formal ceremony. The labels are distributed across the page to show where each person and object should be positioned in the palace courtyard. This layout ensures that the presentation of documents and regional goods follows strict protocols of rank and order.

original: 知班 (Zhiban). An official responsible for ensuring that all participants are standing in their correct assigned positions according to their rank.

original: 贊禮 (Zanli). A ritual usher who calls out the commands for participants to kneel, bow, or move during the ceremony.

original: 案物方 (An wufang). A designated table where regional specialties and tribute items brought from the provinces are placed for inspection or presentation.

original: 宣制 (Xuanzhi). The location or act of reading an imperial command or regulation to the assembled officials.

original: 表 (Biao). A formal written petition or state document presented by a subordinate to the Emperor. This is the central object of the tribute ceremony.

original: 案 (An). A central ritual desk used to hold the documents or ceremonial items during the audience.

original: 宣表官 (Xuanbiao guan). The official tasked with reading the contents of the memorial aloud so the Emperor and the court may hear the message.

original: 展表官 (Zhanbiao guan). An assistant official who physically opens and holds the document for the proclaimer to read.

original: 宣方物 (Xuan fangwu). The official responsible for announcing the specific types and quantities of local goods being presented as tribute.