Antique Chinese Embroidered Rank Badges Satin Stitch On Cotton
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:28530269 | Region of Origin: China |
| Original/Reproduction: Antique Original | Primary Material: Silk & Fabric |
| Color: Multi-Color | Age: early 1900s |
Pair of Antique Chinese Embroidered Rank Badges. Shipped by USPS Mail. This pair of Badges would be sewn on to a surcoat- an overcoat of dark silk , worn at Court in the presence of higher ranks and the Emperor. No one but the Emperor would be allowed to wear colorful robes at Court, and having a rank badge told others of your status. Ranks were determined by examination, and each rank had specific jobs attached. Ranks for Military officials were animals.&...nbsp; Civil servants wore birds. This may be a Leopard, which may be 4th rank. As this badge was probably made as the last dynasty was falling, it is difficult to state for certain that this is a Leopard. Value is typically established by age, how refined the embroidery is, the number of different Taoist symbols in the badge and the materials used. I purchased this in Hong Kong some 30 years ago, and thought that the fierceness of the animal and how boldly it was depicted was delightful. I am downsizing my collection. This would be perfect framed. The second photograph shows the badge that was on the front of the surcoat and in two pieces where the buttons would be located.
