2005.5.596 - Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a Fourth Rank Military Official
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Item Details
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 tiger, symbolizing a fourth rank military official. The tiger is crouching on a rock and surrounded by ruyi-shaped clouds. The pattern on the badge is embroidered with fine seed stitches. The border is adorned with bats and shou characters (symbolizing longevity).
Citation
Page Citation for 2005.5.596 - Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a Fourth Rank Military Official
Page Citation
"2005.5.596 - Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a Fourth Rank Military Official, Mactaggart Art Collection." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/21-19818. Accessed 08 Jul. 2025.
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