Note: a ch'ao-fu is a formal garment consisting of two parts, an upper hip length riding style coat, and a lower paired overlapping skirt. It was worn only for important sacrificial ceremonies and rituals by members of the Imperial family and high ranking officials.

A ch'i-fu (dragon robe) was worn for all other court occasions and official duties. It is a full length, right front, side fastening garment.

See Margery Blackman, "Emperor's Court to Village Festival" Otago Museum catalogue, 1998, p.6. (L.J. July 00)