Ming-era gold crown showcases exquisite craftsmanship

The Gold Winged Crown of Emperor Wanli from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) is a masterpiece of fine gold-wire weaving and intricate welding.

The Gold Winged Crown of Emperor Wanli from the Ming Dynasty is seen on display at the Capital Museum in Beijing on October 10, 2026. /CGTN The Gold Winged Crown of Emperor Wanli from the Ming Dynasty is seen on display at the Capital Museum in Beijing on October 10, 2026. /CGTN Standing 24 centimeters tall and weighing 826 grams, the crown consists of three parts: the front section, the rear section and two wing-like projections.

The front section is woven from 518 fine gold wires, each measuring just 0.2 millimeters in diameter.

This photo taken on October 10, 2026 shows details of the Gold Winged Crown of Emperor Wanli from the Ming Dynasty on display at the Capital Museum in Beijing. /CGTN This photo taken on October 10, 2026 shows details of the Gold Winged Crown of Emperor Wanli from the Ming Dynasty on display at the Capital Museum in Beijing. /CGTN The front of the rear section features a striking design of two dragons playing with a pearl.

With 8,400 scales, the dragons are depicted in vivid detail, conveying a sense of movement and grandeur.

This photo taken on October 10, 2026 shows details of the Gold Winged Crown of Emperor Wanli from the Ming Dynasty on display at the Capital Museum in Beijing. /CGTN This photo taken on October 10, 2026 shows details of the Gold Winged Crown of Emperor Wanli from the Ming Dynasty on display at the Capital Museum in Beijing. /CGTN The crown is the only one of its kind in China and is regarded as a national treasure.

It was excavated from the Dingling Mausoleum, one of the Ming Tombs in Beijing, in the 1950s.

Part of the collection of the museum at the Ming Tombs, the crown is currently on display at the Capital Museum until October 18.