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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 features a flycatcher, representing a ninth rank 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 was seen on rank badges. The flycatcher is surrounded by ruyi-shaped clouds and four bats, with its wings spread wide and gaze directed toward the sun disk in the upper left corner. This badge is embroidered with gold-metal wrapped thread and silk floss using counted stitches on silk gauze.