Ming Dynasty Styling Guide: Di Ji (䯼髻, Ornamental Bun)
The Di Ji hairstyle, an iconic Ming dynasty creation, elevates Hanfu with its ornate charm. Known as the “ornamental bun,” this style transformed from simple Yuan buns into a sophisticated Ming hairpiece made of gold or silver wire, horsehair, bamboo, and real hair wrapped in black gauze . Paired with intricate headpieces, the Di Ji hairstyle is a timeless choice for Hanfu enthusiasts, especially in modern weddings. Let’s explore its history, structure, and dazzling accessories!
The Di Ji epitomizes Ming sophistication—contextualize it within broader Hanfu traditions via our [definitive guide].
History of the Di Ji Hairstyle
In the Ming dynasty, the Di Ji was a go-to hairstyle for married women rocking casual or ceremonial outfits. It drew inspo from Northern Song women’s crowns and the wrapped buns of the Jin and Yuan dynasties. Back in the Yuan, the Di Ji was just a plain bun, but with the influence of crowns and wrapped styles, it got a glow-up. By the Ming, it became a fancy fake hairpiece made of gold or silver wire, horsehair, bamboo strips, and real hair, all wrapped in black gauze. You’d pop this beauty right on top of your own bun for instant elegance. Think of it like a Ming-era hair accessory that screams sophistication!
Accessorizing the Di Ji Hairstyle
In the Ming, women didn’t just slap on a Di Ji and call it a day—they went all out with a matching set of headpieces called a tou mian. This set was universal, from empresses to commoners, with specific pieces, fixed positions, and cool names. Fan Lian’s Yunjian Jumu Chao spills the tea: “Women’s buns… topped with a jeweled flower called a ‘heart pick,’ flanked by ‘side supports’ for the temples, and a ‘full crown’ pinned at the back.”
Beyond that, the Di Ji’s headpiece included:
Dian’er (Ornaments): Curved pieces worn at the front base of the Di Ji, with a pin or ties at the back. They came in shapes like flowers, clouds, dragons, phoenixes, or immortals, often studded with pearls, gems, or kingfisher feather inlays.
In The Plum in the Golden Vase (Chapter 15), Li Guijie rocks a “silk-wrapped bun with gold-thread hairpins, emerald plum-blossom dian’er, pearl hoops, and gold pendants.” Chapter 68 describes Wu Yin’er with a “white gauze Di Ji, pearl hoops, and emerald cloud dian’er, edged with tiny pins.”
Fenxin (Centerpiece): Pinned front and center on the Di Ji, pointing upward. Thanks to Buddhism’s popularity (especially Guanyin), these often featured Buddha images, Guanyin, or Sanskrit text. Xingshi Yinyuan Zhuan (Chapter 78) mentions: “Mrs. Xu wore a solid gold wire Guanyin in the center, with a thumb-sized pearl-and-emerald treasure flower tilted to the right.”
Dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and mythical figures were also trendy.
Yabin Chai (Temple Pins): A pair of long, slightly curved hairpins inserted at the lower sides of the Di Ji to keep everything secure. These were both practical and pretty, like the Ming version of bobby pins with bling.
Evolution of the Di Ji Hairstyle
As time rolled on, the Di Ji got some serious upgrades by the mid-to-late Ming. Two big trends emerged:
Gold Treasure Ji (Jinbao Ji): The headpiece went from a bunch of separate bits to a single, lavish unit. This was the deluxe Di Ji, dripping with gold and jewels, like a crown fit for a queen. Perfect for showing off at fancy events!
Di Ji accessories used Ming Jing embroidery techniques—learn about [dynastic embroidery styles].
Simplified Crowns: The Di Ji slimmed down into a crown-like style, similar to the loyalty crowns worn by officials. Xingshi Yinyuan Zhuan describes “a gold-thread seven-beam Di Ji with a glossy black satin headband” or a “gold-thread five-beam crown with a teal gold-flecked hoop.” These were sleeker but still stunning.
Fast forward to today, Hanfu weddings are all the rage, especially Ming-style ones, and the Di Ji is a star in bridal looks. It’s the ultimate combo of tradition and glamour, making modern Hanfu fans swoon. Imagine a bride in a crimson Ming aoqun, her Di Ji sparkling with pearl dian’er and a golden Guanyin fenxin—total fairy-tale vibes!
Modern Di Ji Hairstyle in Hanfu Weddings
Reviving Ming Dynasty Hairstyle for Bridal Looks
Today, the Di Ji hairstyle shines in Ming-style Hanfu weddings. Brides pair it with crimson aoqun, adorned with pearl dian’er and gold treasure Ji, creating fairy-tale elegance. Its blend of tradition and glamour captivates modern Hanfu fans . Picture a bride with a Di Ji hairstyle sparkling under golden Guanyin fenxin—pure Min
g magic!
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