03/28/2024
The higher the quality of artwork, the higher the status it represented. This phoenix crown is proof.
This splendid crown from the royal treasure of Ming Dynasty was belonged to Empress Xiaoduan, now is preceved in the National Museum of China.
Craftsmanship exclusively for the royal family: FILIGREE, intricately weaving gold wire into 9 dragons and 9 phoenixes on the phoenix crown. Only a true empress had the privilege to use such ornate decorations.
Although Empress Xiaoduan did not receive the emperor's favor during her 48-year empress life, other consorts, no matter how favored by the emperor, had no chance of obtaining a phoenix crown, which symbolized the highest status for women in the Ming Dynasty, not to mention being the empress.
📷:National Museum of China