A spatial diagram illustrates the ceremonial positioning of various court officials and items. The text is arranged to indicate physical locations within a palace hall during a tribute audience.

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

This map shows the interior layout of the audience hall. It identifies where the Emperor sits, where the foreign guest stands, and the specific locations for the officials recording the proceedings.

original: 起居注 (Qijuzhu) and 給事中 (Jishizhong). These officials were responsible for documenting the Emperor's daily actions and words, ensuring a permanent historical record of the ceremony.

original: 內使 (Neishi). This term typically refers to eunuchs or inner court staff who remained in close proximity to the Emperor to provide personal service.

The seat of the Emperor, positioned at the northern end of the hall, facing south.

original: 賓 (Bin). This indicates the physical location of the foreign king or the high ranking envoy presenting the tribute.

original: 案 (An). A table used to hold the formal documents and symbolic gifts during the presentation.

original: 指揮以下武官 (Zhihui yixia wuguan). These officers provided security and represented the military power of the empire during the ritual.

Court Recorders and Supervising Secretaries

Palace Attendants

The Imperial Throne

The Guest

The Table

Palace Attendants

Military Officers of Command Rank and Below