Back Drapery

Husu is a decorative strip that is hung over the back of a ceremonial dress such as an official or court attire. The official name of husu is su, but it was generally referred to as husu since hu means back and therefore it stresses that it is draped down at the back. The designs and the rings show the status of the wearer. For example, clothes for first- and second-rank officials had cloud patterns in yellow, green, purple and red with two gold rings; those for third-rank officials had eagle patterns in the four colors with two silver rings; and those for fourth- to sixth-rank officials had shrike patterns in yellow, green and red with a silver ring and a copper ring for fourth-rank and fifth- and sixth-rank officials, respectively. Blue tassels were attached under the drapery.