Discover China’s 400-year-old imperial phoenix crown at a new National Museum exhibition, featuring 4,414 pearls, 115 gemstones and intricate Ming craftsmanship.
Visitors to the National Museum of China in Beijing can now admire one of the country’s best-known historical treasures from every angle. The crown of Empress Xiaoduan of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), known as the Coronet with Nine Dragons and Nine Phoenixes, has been given its own exhibition space.
Previously displayed in the museum’s Ancient China exhibition hall, the crown could only be viewed from the front and left side. Its new display allows visitors to walk around the case and admire it from all sides.
Shi Wa, an associate research fellow at the National Museum of China and curator of the exhibition, The Grandeur of Ming Court Ritual: Empress Xiaoduan’s Coronet with Nine Dragons and Nine Phoenixes, explained the difference on November 9th, CNS reported.
One detail is now much easier to see: a gold phoenix decorated with kingfisher feathers at the back of the crown. It was previously difficult for visitors to get a clear view of this feature.
A Crown Adorned with Gold, Gemstones and Pearls
The crown weighs 2,320 grams and is set with 115 gemstones, including 57 rubies and 58 sapphires, as well as 4,414 pearls. Its frame is made from lacquered bamboo and covered with silk fabric.
Nine golden dragons rise above clouds, while nine phoenixes spread their wings among jewelled flowers and leaves. Together, these elements create an elaborate design that reflects the artistic style and court rituals of the Ming Dynasty.
The crown also showcases several traditional craft techniques, including filigree, kingfisher feather inlay and gemstone setting.
One of its most distinctive features is diancui, or kingfisher feather inlay. Craftspeople attached tiny pieces of the birds’ bright blue feathers to a shaped metal base. They used them to create the vivid decorations on the phoenixes, clouds, leaves and flowers.
Filigree is another important technique. It involves shaping fine metal wires and joining them to create intricate patterns. The technique gives the crown its delicate, openwork gold decorations.
Exploring the Craftsmanship and History
The coronet was unearthed in Dingling Tomb in Beijing in the 1950s, alongside the remains of Empress Xiaoduan.
The exhibition is divided into four sections. They trace the discovery and restoration of the crown, explain the ceremonial meaning and symbolism of its nine dragons and nine phoenixes, and examine the techniques used to make it. Scientific testing also helps reveal details of its construction.
The “Masterful Craftsmanship” section focuses on three techniques: filigree, kingfisher feather inlay and gemstone setting. These displays offer visitors a closer look at the skills behind the crown’s intricate decorations. Videos also show craftspeople recreating parts of the coronet using these traditional techniques, helping visitors understand the skills involved.
Meanwhile, digital technology and multimedia bring the historical setting to life. An immersive film takes visitors back to Beijing during the reign of the Wanli Emperor (1572–1620), when the crown was made.
The museum’s cultural products team has also developed a range of new items inspired by the exhibition.
The exhibition will remain open at the National Museum of China for an extended period.
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