University of Alberta Museums Search

A dark blue silk satin surcoat (or bufu) with metal-wrapped thread embroidered rank badges on the front and back. There is a crane depicted on the square rank badges, identifying the wearer as a first-rank civil official. Cranes are illustrated with red caps and this crane has a vibrant one against the gold metal-wrapped thread couched into the rest of the badge. The position of the sun, the only other red spot in the badge, on the left side of the badge (the wearer's right side) indicates that the wearer is a man. The Buddhist eight auspicious signs surround the crane - from the top, clockwise: lotus, parasol, wheel of the law, victory banner, conch, fish, endless knot, and vase. Below the crane are waves and rocks with standing water underneath. This surcoat has a typical front opening with five brass buttons, and three vents - two at the sides and one in the back. Garments like this were used to represent the wearer's identity to the broader society and, as such, it would have been worn as an outer garment over robes, as seen in the Family Portrait painting (2007.23.1). Consorts and children often wore badges that declared the patriarch's rank as well.