Fur Court Overcoats of the Zhenguo Jiangjun

Cold-weather ceremonial wear

The *duanzhao* worn by certain Qing imperial-clan titleholders was a fur outercoat used under formal dress rules during cold weather. For the *zhenguo jiangjun*, it must be distinguished from a court robe, embroidered rank-badge overcoat, *mang* robe, or an ordinary fur jacket. Its functions combined protection against cold with visually regulated ceremonial status.

In juan 5, the *Illustrated Regulations for the Ceremonial Paraphernalia of the Imperial Court* describes the non-imperial duke's *duanzhao* as made of fur with blue satin lining and two hanging strips at each side, the ends broad and pointed. The provision extends to designated holders of the grade *fuguo jiangjun* and above; the *zhenguo jiangjun* stood above that grade in the imperial-clan hierarchy. The clause thus supplies the basis for understanding the garment's regulated eligibility, rather than treating noble ranks as identical to one another.

Avoiding transferred specifications

The title *zhenguo jiangjun* did not necessarily convey actual field command. Moreover, the imperial son's separate *duanzhao* prescription used purple sable and golden-yellow lining and should not be imposed on this lower noble title. Interpretation of an individual outercoat requires attention to fur type, lining, side strips, and securely documented rank, together with the question of whether the object follows the applicable court regulation.

Related encyclopedia entry: Fur Court Overcoats of the Zhenguo Gong.

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