A Study on the Costume Image Design of Mi Qiongmao, Daughter of an Enfeoffed Lord of Chu in the Warring States Period— The Past-Life Legend of the E Jun Qi Gold Tallies

Abstract

The story of “The Past-Life Legend of the E Jun Qi Gold Tallies” in Episode 7 of Season 4 of National Treasure is set in the final century of the Warring States period. Across the vast territory of the Chu state, countless merchant convoys travelled by boat and cart along rivers and roads, carrying goods, wealth, information, and talent to different parts of Chu. Mi Qiongmao, daughter of E Jun Qi, refused to become a bargaining chip in a political marriage. She therefore asked to manage her father’s business and led Lord E’s merchant convoy to the northern frontier city of Xiacai.

In order to make the costume design better fit the character in the script, this paper first defines Mi Qiongmao’s life setting and historical period, then identifies her character traits. By reviewing historical documents and analysing artefacts excavated from Chu tombs, the study examines her costume from several aspects, including garment form, colour, fabric, patterns, headwear, and footwear. On this basis, it reconstructs the clothing style of noblewomen of the Chu state, using Mi Qiongmao as a representative case.