Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Ceremonial Protocols, Volume 3

Page 22

This upper section represents the flanking guard on the left side of the procession (associated with the East/Azure Dragon). The "Melon" and "Spiked-Mace" are ceremonial clubs, while the "Squad Swords" are decorative weapons carried by high-ranking attendants.

---

---

These canopies (umbrellas) represent the center of the formation, directly shielding or preceding the Emperor. The yellow color was reserved strictly for the imperial household.

This lower section mirrors the top, representing the right side of the procession (associated with the West/White Tiger). The symmetry ensures that the Emperor is surrounded by equal numbers of officers and ceremonial guards on both sides.

Standing Melon Mace
original: "立瓜" (ligua). A ceremonial weapon consisting of a long pole topped with a gilded, melon-shaped bronze or wooden weight. It symbolizes the power to crush opposition.

Golden Spiked Mace
original: "金牙" (jinya). Literally "Golden Teeth," referring to a mace or polearm with protruding spikes, used here as a status symbol of the imperial guard.

Squad Sword
original: "班劍" (banjian). Ornamental swords with distinctive markings (often "tiger stripes"). In the Tang and Song dynasties, these were held by officials and guards as a mark of high imperial favor.

Heavenly Martial Guard
original: "天武" (tianwu). Short for the "Heavenly Martial Command," one of the elite units of the Forbidden Troops responsible for the Emperor's personal safety.

Golden Tally
original: "金節" (jinjie). A staff of authority topped with golden ornaments, traditionally used by envoys or high commanders to signify they are acting on the Emperor's direct orders.