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Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered First Rank Badge

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel framed in a giltwood frame circa 18th 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 white crane of open wings, perched on a rock in above the Li-Shui wave pattern. The bird is identified by the cranial red cap, and it is the symbol of the first rank official in the court of Qing Dynasty. The bird looks up at a full red sun on the slight left side of the panel, indicating that it belonged to a male official instead his spouse. There is no slit, so it was designated to the back of the robe. The bird is surrounded by scrolling clouds and flanked by exotic plants (maybe lotus and peach). The finely 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 design is set on a salmon color silk background. Although executed in very fine workmanship, compared to most rank badge, this piece has a relatively sparse composition without being overly ornamental. It is dated to the middle period of Qing Dynasty.
For a 1st rank badge with nearly identical design, see Accession Number: 30.75.958 in the collection of Metropolitan Musem of Art.

More Information

Period:	18th Century
Materials:	silk
Condition:	Fair. Fine condition for antique textile of its age. There are some minor thread losses which are evident in detail photos. It however doesn't affect the integrity of the overall impression. Some uneven color on the background silk visible as well.
Creation Date:	18th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	601959

Dimensions

W.	11.25 in;	H.	11 in;	D.	0.8 in;
W.	28.58 cm;	H.	27.94 cm;	D.	2.03 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion

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