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2005.5.347.2 - Back Panel of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official

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Object Typerank badge Artistunknown Date Made1736-1795

Item Details

Object Typerank badge Artistunknown Date Made1736-1795
Accession Number 2005.5.347.2 Title Back Panel of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official Alternate Title One of a pair of buzi, or insignia badges, for a first-rank civil official: crane 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 Materials Glossary Tapestry Weave View Materials Glossary Details » 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). The front badge is made into…
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). 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. 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, which are identical for the front and back, have been rendered in tapestry weave with a brilliant gold background. 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

Citation

Page Citation for 2005.5.347.2 - Back Panel of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official

Page Citation

"2005.5.347.2 - Back Panel of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official, Mactaggart Art Collection." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/21-20923. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.


Object Hierarchy

2005.5.347.2 - Back Panel of a Rank Badge for a First-Rank Civil Official

Object Type Artist Date Made

Publications

Author Vollmer, John and Jacqueline Simcox
Title Emblems of Empire: Selections from the Mactaggart Art Collection
Publication Date 2009
Author Vollmer, John E.
Title Dressed to Rule: 18th Century Court Attire in the Mactaggart Art Collection
Publication Date 2007