Han Dynasty Emperor in Imperial Robes 汉帝冕服

Han Dynasty Emperor by Yang Yang

Mianfu (Hanzi: 冕服, pinyin: miǎnfú), literally means "Coronation Costume", is a kind of Chinese clothing worn by emperors, princes and kings during imperial China, from the Shang Dynasty until Ming Dynasty.

Mianfu is the highest level of formal dress worn by emperors and royal family in special ceremonial events such as coronation, morning audience, ancestral rites, worship, new year's audience and other ceremonial activities.

TRAPPINGS OF POWER, A VISUAL HISTORY

Han dynasty relief depicting legendary Chinese rulers. Shennong (upper left) "The Divine Farmer" the mythical agrarian God of ancient China. The Yellow Emperor (upper right) Yu the Great (lower left) Jie of Xia dynasty (lower right) the corrupt final king of Xia. Despite the fact that the fashion was attributed to those ancient dynasties it should be remembered that the Han used the basis of late Zhou fashion as a reference for those figures- since the distance between the Shang and the Han were separated by nearly a millennium of history.

Han dynasty relief depicting Shang dynasty and Zhou dynasty figures. Despite the fact that the fashion was attributed to those ancient dynasties it should be remembered that the Han used the basis of late Zhou fashion as a reference for those figures- since the distance between the Shang and the Han were separated by nearly a millennium of history. King Tang of Shang (upper left) depicted in court robes. His hat is flat- and would eventually became the basis for the Emperor's cap of later centuries. 

His robe is made of white silk with black rims and trims. He also wears black courtly shoes. Ceremonial robes- befitting that of priest kings are depicted on the right. Symbols of power (below) are prominent displayed on the robe. Because of the Shang kings were also shamanistic priestly kings they also performed many ceremonial duties, including rituals to the heaven and conducting sacrifices, organizing feasts and lighting ceremonial vessels etc.

Zhou dynasty noble's robes and King's robes, silk mesh hat and an elaborate sash are featured. The outer wear for the nobles could be quite elaborate. On top of the silk they also wore precious leather made from white kid deer. On the right we see the ceremonial robes of the most senior ranks of the Zhou royal family.

Zhou Dynasty King's courtly attires and ceremonial robes. 

THE AGE OF GREAT LORDS: 

SPRING AND AUTUMN PERIOD, WARRING STATES PERIOD

Clothing of Zhou Nobility: after the disastrous death of King You of Zhou and the relocation of the Zhou capital from the west to the east to Louyang, Zhou royal power slowly unraveled and was passed on from the Ji clan to that of the feudal lords. Over time, these ambitious lords became the sole rulers of their domains and only paid nominal lip service to the royal court in the ensuing centuries. Leather robes for the high lords: On the upper left, we see the leather robe of a high Zhou lord. The robes are made from precious white kid deers and on them are jade that designated his rank. Dukes of the royal families are marked with 9 jades, Marquis are marked with 7 jades, Vicounts had 5 jades, in descending order etc. Further distinctions are also color coded.

 In upper right we see that robes of a scholar- attendant class- Shi 士, the shi were highly educated servants and served as courtiers, advisors, strategists, and in times- ministers for their lords. Many of the most remarkable minds of the conflicts of during the Zhou came from this class, from Laozi, Mencius, Sun Tzu, to Confucius. Lastly, we have the Zhou noble's courtly robe.  

Above: Zhou Kings, Princes, and Dukes of the royal clan in ceremonial robes. 

THE TWELVE SYMBOLS OF POWER

The Twelve Ornaments (Chinese: 十二章; pinyin: Shí'èr zhāng) are a group of ancient Chinese symbols and designs that are considered highly auspicious. They were employed in the decoration of textile fabrics in ancient China, which signified authority and power, and were embroidered on vestments of state. 

The Emperor's Mianfu were frequently emblazoned with them. The tradition of Chinese emperors acting as priestly kings blessed with shamanic powers dates as far back as the Shang dynasty- from when they were seen as Tianzi 天子, or "Sons of Heaven."

The Mianfu of Emperor Kōmei, the father of Japanese Emperor Meiji. 

→ ☯ [PLEASE SUPPORT ME @ PATREON] ☯ ←

Thank you to my Patrons who has contributed $10 and above: You made this happen!

➢ ☯ Vincent Ho (FerrumFlos1st)

➢ ☯ BurenErdene Altankhuyag

➢ ☯ Stephen D Rynerson

➢ ☯ Michael Lam

➢ ☯ Peter Hellman