Court Crown of a Beizi

Winter and summer forms

The court crown prescribed for a *gushan beizi* was worn at formal Qing court ceremonies. The rank was a hereditary title within the imperial clan rather than an administrative appointment. Court crowns were distinct from everyday caps, and their finials, pearl ornaments and feathers were regulated as visible expressions of rank.

Volume 4 of the *Huangchao liqi tushi* distinguishes winter and summer crowns for a *beizi*. The winter crown bore a finial with two tiers of golden dragons, six eastern pearls and a red gemstone at the summit. It was accompanied by a peacock feather with three eyes, meaning three eye-like markings in the feather—not three holes in the crown. For the summer crown, the front ornament, referred to in the source as *shelin*, carried two eastern pearls; the rear golden floral ornament bore one. The upper finial and peacock feather followed the winter prescription.

Comparing texts and objects

The same volume places related crown regulations for a *gulun efu* alongside those of the *beizi*. Comparable clothing provisions do not mean that the holders enjoyed identical titles or kinship status. The regulations record how the court ordered its ceremonial distinctions; they do not identify the owner, manufacturing date or later alterations of any extant object. Such claims must be established through object-level museum evidence.

For related historical context and vocabulary, consult Festive Dress (Jifu) in the Qing Dynasty.

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