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2005.5.347 - Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official

Mactaggart Art Collection Read more about this collection »

Object Typerank badge Artistunknown Date Made1736-1795

Item Details

Object Typerank badge Artistunknown Date Made1736-1795
Accession Number 2005.5.347 Title Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official Category textiles Object Type rank badge Artist unknown Date Made 1736-1795 Place Made China Culture Chinese Period Qing 18th century Materials gold wrapped silk thread; ink; linen; silk; tapestry weave; glass; wood Measurements overall: 44.2 cm x 90.5 cm x 1.7 cm Description
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…
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 pair of rank badges features a crane, which is identified by its red crown and white feathers. The crane is standing on a rock amidst multi-coloured waves, pink peonies, trees, and clouds. The motifs on these badges have been rendered in tapestry weave with a brilliant gold background. The front badge is made into two separate panels to accommodate the front opening of a surcoat, while the back badge is made in one piece. The patterns on the front and back badges are identical. The sun on the left side of these badges indicates that the wearer was male.
Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart
© 2019 University of Alberta
© 2019 University of Alberta

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Page Citation for 2005.5.347 - Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official

Page Citation

"2005.5.347 - Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official, Mactaggart Art Collection." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/21-19569. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.


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2005.5.347 - Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official

Object Type rank badge Artist unknown Date Made 1736-1795