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Pair of Framed Chinese Embroidered Eighth Rank Badges Qing Dynasty

Offered by: Tishu

Description
On offer is a matching pair of embroidered silk civil rank badge panels (known in Chinese as Buzi) in black lacquer frames. The panels feature borders of fret archaic key and are centered by the bird quail, the symbol of the eighth rank civil official in the court of Qing Dynasty. The golden bird was depicted perching on one leg on the li-shui rocks, surrounded by five large silver scrolling clouds and looking up to a full sun on the upper left corner. As a set, one has a slit in the middle and was originally placed in the front of the robe. The other one was designated to the back. Based on the sun's position, these were worn by the male official (instead of their spouse). The work is of period and high quality, embroidered entirely with meticulous couching stitch with thin and tight bundles of silk threads. The stitched knots are so fine that they created part of the texturized design themselves and appear to be forbidden knots. The composition, compared to many other badges from the same period, was bold and less fuzzy. The color palette was restricted largely to gold and silver, set on a black background; even the sun only shows a tint of red. These approaches rendered the panels a rather unusual somber appearance.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	silk, textile, wood
Condition:	Good. Fine condition. Original mat shows minor patina. Frames refinished at some point and with only light wear.
Creation Date:	late 19th century
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	601311

Dimensions

W.	17 in;	H.	17 in;	D.	0.8 in;
W.	43.18 cm;	H.	43.18 cm;	D.	2.03 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.

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