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This is Zhao Bing, Emperor Bing of Song, the 18th and last emperor of the Song Dynasty. Is this headgear a Tongtianguan? And whatever type of headgear it is, what more do we know about it? What does it symbolism and who was authorized to use it?

Update: I found these two great resources but still can't figure out exactly which one it is: A list of Guan, Jin, and other headwear, and A Social History of Medieval China, pg. 7.

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    I can't tell you about the headgear. However, i can tell you a few facts about Zhao Bing. 1) he was the Huangdi or "emperor". 2) he lived for 7 years and so was young. 3) he died a tragic death 4) He is venerated as minor god at his tomb. Allof these can affect what type of headgear he is depicted wearing.
    – MAGolding
    May 4, 2020 at 17:00
  • To the OP. I am sorry my previous answer could be wrong after the re-research. Sorry.
    – user12387
    May 4, 2020 at 20:47
  • @Kentaro Oh, OK. Thank you very much for your input anyway, it was very interesting and you introduced me to a new term. Thank you.
    – Johan88
    May 4, 2020 at 20:48
  • Thank you for understanding. Even the Chinese experts at our country's Q&A site can't answer. Literally nobody. But a good question.
    – user12387
    May 4, 2020 at 21:05
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    Related: history.stackexchange.com/q/47475/1420
    – RedGrittyBrick
    May 7, 2020 at 9:21

1 Answer 1

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When the emperor chooses one of his sons to be his heir, the emperor would personally clasp the headpiece around the heir's topknot and fix it in place with the appropriate hair-stick. It's basically a crown so the closest equivalent is Wángguàn or cap/hat/crown

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    Please provide sources for your assertions. Thank you.
    – Lars Bosteen
    May 5, 2020 at 3:30

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