Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Ninth Military Rank Badge

A finely embroidered silk military rank badge panel framed in a wood frame circa late Qing dynasty 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese as Buzi which was displayed in the front and back of the official robe to indicate one's rank status. The design is centered by a galloping horse with flames above the ocean, represented by the Li-Shui wave pattern. The sea horse is the symbol of the ninth rank military officer in the court of Qing Dynasty. The panel has a split in the middle and the bird looks up at a full red sun on his slight upper left, indicating that it belonged to a frontal robe of a male official. The horse is surrounded by scrolling clouds and flying bats (symbol of good fortune). The embroidered border of golden threads was rendered by couching stiches in archaic key pattern. Long and short satin stiches of multi-color threads were used for the main imagery. The badge is float framed within a thick brocade mat and wood frame with traditional brass hanging hinge.
The textile panel is 12" x 11".