Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Vol. 79)

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Ceremonial Rites, Volume 67

The Crown Prince stands before the ritual seat facing north. Once the invocation is complete, he kneels to be capped. Music begins to play. The Guest the presiding elder statesman stands south of the seat facing north. The Assistant Capper advances to the front of the seat, kneels facing north, inserts the ceremonial hairpin, and ties the hat strings original: "hong," the silk cords used to secure the cap. He then rises and takes his place behind the Guest.

The Crown Prince rises. The Inner Attendants palace eunuchs kneel to present the robes. Once the dressing is finished, music stops. The Guest bows, and the Crown Prince sits once more.

The Ritual Usher leads the Guest and the Assistant down to the Ritual Washing Basin original: "Lei-xi" following the same ceremony as described previously. The Assistant Capper advances to the front of the seat, kneels facing north, and removes the Far-Roaming Cap original: "Yuanyou Guan," a cap with nine ridges worn by the Crown Prince for significant court audiences. He places it in a chest, rises, and hands it to an Inner Attendant. The Inner Attendant receives it and places it at the edge of the seat.

The official carrying the Dragon Robe and Crown original: "Gunmian," the most prestigious ceremonial attire, consisting of a robe embroidered with dragons and a flat-topped crown with hanging beads ascends. The Guest descends three steps to receive it. Holding the back of the crown with his right hand and the front with his left, he advances.

The Crown Prince stands before the seat facing north. Once the invocation is complete, he kneels to be capped. Music begins to play. The Guest stands south of the seat facing north. The Assistant Capper advances to the front of the seat, kneels facing north, inserts the hairpin, and ties the hat strings. He then rises and stands behind the Guest.

The Crown Prince rises. The Inner Attendants kneel to present the robes. When the dressing is finished, music stops. The Doctor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices the official in charge of ritual protocol leads the Crown Prince down the eastern steps. Music begins to play. He then ascends the western steps and proceeds to the ritual seat, where he sits facing south. Music stops. The Ritual Usher leads the Guest to the washing basin. Music begins to play. The Guest tucks his ceremonial tablet original: "jin," the act of tucking the ivory "hu" tablet into the waistband to free the hands...