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Rank badges, always made in pairs, were placed on the front and back of surcoats in order to communicate their wearer’s rank during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911). Different motifs were regulated by the imperial court, including bird motifs used only for civil officials, while beasts were used for military officials. The hierarchy of ranks within these categories was represented by specific birds and beasts. This rank badge, separated from its front panel, features a pair of silver pheasants, representing a fifth-ranked civil official. In the Ming Dynasty, the birds on rank badges were often presented in pairs in an upper and lower position. Later, in the Qing Dynasty, only one bird or beast was seen on rank badges. Surrounding the birds in this badge are peonies, cherry blossoms, and clouds. The lower bird is perched on a scholar's rock, which are particularly-shaped rocks appreciated by the literati and found in Chinese gardens. This badge is woven in tapestry (kesi), with a ground made from gold-wrapped thread and details rendered in multi-coloured silk floss.