The jade thumb ring discovered in Li Yiniang's dressing case is modeled after the "Jade Thumb Ring" (pronounced [shè]) unearthed from the Tomb of Fu Hao at the Yin Ruins in Anyang, Henan—the same one featured on this book's cover. Extensive information about it can be found online for those interested, and high-resolution images are available on the author's Weibo.
"On the dressing bed stood a mirror stand and cosmetic case, its cover already removed, reflecting a bright human figure in the bronze mirror"—Modern "historical dramas" often depict bronze mirrors with dull, pitted surfaces that barely reflect faces, which is highly inaccurate. In reality, ancient bronze mirrors were polished with tin alloy, producing a silvery, clear reflection nearly comparable to modern mercury-glass mirrors. However, lacking a protective glass layer, they oxidized and darkened easily, requiring constant polishing and maintenance. Thus, "mirror polishing" was a common urban trade in ancient times. Professor Yu Gengzhe once shared a photo on Weibo of a Han Dynasty bronze mirror replica made using traditional techniques. High-resolution images can be viewed on the author's Weibo.
An explanation of "Ku-zhen": The servants address Yang Xinzhi as "Yang Ku-zhen," and the origin of this title will be explained later. "Ku-zhen" (also written as "Ku-zhi") is likely of Xianbei origin, a common princely household official position during the Sui and early Tang dynasties. It roughly translates to "personal guard, companion, advisor, or confidant," carrying strong connotations of being a "prince's private retainer." Most holders were scions of noble families, and though the position had no fixed quota and wasn't part of the formal bureaucratic hierarchy, it was considered highly prestigious—so much so that it was recorded in epitaphs. The title was abolished by the mid-Zhenguan era.
This book includes numerous historical artifact images in its annotations. As the publishing platform doesn't support embedded images, please visit the author's Weibo for reference. Search for the ID "Tang Dynasty Tour Guide Forest Deer" on Sina Weibo—discussions are welcome.
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