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Accession Number 2005.5.590.1 Title Front Panel of a Rank Badge Category textiles Object Type rank badge Artist unknown Date Made 1875-1908 Place Made China Culture Chinese Period Qing 19th-20th centuries Materials silk; silk satin; embroidery; paper Materials Glossary Embroidery View Materials Glossary Details » Measurements overall: 27.8 cm x 29.6 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 badge is considered incomplete, as there is no bird or beast in the design. Surrounding the central blank space are clouds set against a dark background, with a scholar’s rock and wave-like pattern at the bottom.

Read More + Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart