This portrait depicts Empress Liu, posthumously titled “Zhangxian Mingsu” (literally “the orderly, worthy, wise and solemn empress”) (969–1033) wearing the highest-ranking ceremonial attire of Song dynasty imperial consorts. The image is resplendent, with vivid colors and exquisite craftsmanship. The empress is shown in a dark blue robe adorned with paired pheasant motifs, complemented by crimson edges embroidered with cloud and dragon patterns. She is accessorized with a belt, a silk ribbon, and blue shoes and socks, and wears a “nine-dragon floral hairpin crown” on her head. Seated in a chair decorated with phoenix-patterned metal plaques, the armrests and backrest feature dragon heads holding tassel balls in their mouths. The seat is covered with a cushion embroidered with cloud-and-dragon patterns, and a footrest is positioned in front of her.

 

The attire worn by the empress represents the highest ceremonial costume of a Song dynasty empress, reserved for significant occasions such as investitures, sericulture ceremonies, and court assemblies. The crown, a key element of the ceremonial attire, is distinguished by its central axis, which features a large dragon ridden by a female immortal. Below the central dragon are two smaller facing dragons. Flanking the main dragon are three groups of female immortals riding dragons, forming what is known as the “immortal procession of the Queen Mother.” This design symbolizes the empress as the maternal figure of the nation and connects her image with the Queen Mother of the West, reflecting the unique cultural connotations of Song dynasty imperial crowns.