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Child's 19th Century Rank Badge with Silver Pheasant (B)

$1,605
£1,218.71
€1,393.69
CA$2,242.42
A$2,494.06
CHF 1,302.32
MX$30,350.03
NOK 16,632.61
SEK 15,598.45
DKK 10,401.65
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About the Item

Qing Dynasty brocade civil rank badge with silver pheasant, likely intended for the front of a child's robe. This unusually-sized badge was probably made for an older child of a civil official of the fifth rank. It features a silver pheasant, which can be recognized by its five distinctive long, scalloped tail feathers. The bird, with one foot raised and its wings outstretched, stands on a rock surrounded by green waves couched with gold thread, facing the red sun, which represents the Emperor. Golden bats (a symbol of good fortune) flutter amid scrolling clouds around the bird. The bird itself, as well as the red sun, are appliqued onto the background. The Chinese tradition of wearing rank badges (buzi), also known as Mandarin squares, to demonstrate civil, military or imperial rank began in 1391 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and continued throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). These insignia were sewn onto or woven into the wearer’s garments to indicate their rank. Attached to the front and back of a ceremonial robe, rank badges were woven in pairs with identical imagery. One remained in one piece, as this one is; the other was divided vertically up the center to attach to the front of a robe with a center opening. A badge featuring a bird identified the wearer as a civil official. To attain such a position required years of intense study, so birds may have been selected because of their literary associations. Each rank was represented by a different species, and while there were slight variations over time, by the Qing Dynasty the order from highest to lowest was: (1) crane, (2) golden pheasant, (3) peacock, (4) wild goose, (5) silver pheasant, (6) egret, (7) mandarin duck, (8) quail and (9) paradise flycatcher. Children were not officially allowed to show the rank of their father, but when the Emperor's power was weak or he was indifferent to the protocol, this was overlooked. This is why children's rank badges are not as common as adult ones. The badge is in excellent condition for its age, with the metallic thread depicting the bats, clouds and rocks still gleaming a rich gold. This piece was sold as part of a pair (with Child's 19th Century Rank Badge with Silver Pheasant A), although the variations in the decor as well as the slight size difference between them indicate that they were likely made by different artists.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.6 in (24.39 cm)Width: 10.2 in (25.91 cm)Depth: 0.03 in (0.77 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brocade,Appliqué,Embroidered
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 186-721stDibs: LU7220243183122

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