Foreign King Presenting Tribute, Illustration 5 Ceremonial Positions on the Palace Hall

This diagram maps the floor plan and ceremonial positions within the main palace hall during a tribute audience. It shows where the memorial table, the documents, and various specialized officials are located to ensure the ritual follows strict imperial protocol.

original: 承制官 (Chengzhiguan). This official was responsible for receiving and communicating the Emperor’s commands during the ceremony.

original: 班從侍寶尚儀侍 (Ban cong shi bao shang yi shi). These are the various ranks of court attendants who carry the imperial seals and manage the flow of the ceremony.

original: 表 (Biao). This is the formal written petition or letter of state from the foreign king to the Emperor.

original: 案 (An). A high table placed in the center of the hall to hold the state documents and ritual items.

original: 宣方物狀官 (Xuan fangwu zhuang guan). This official read aloud the "Fangwu," which was the inventory of unique local goods and treasures brought as tribute.

original: 班從侍刀照 (Ban cong shi dao zhao). These are the personal attendants and guards holding ceremonial weapons or lanterns who flank the officials.

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume on Ceremonial Systems 2