Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered First Rank Badge

A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel presented with elaborate lattice mat and a wood frame circa mid to late 19th century (late Qing dynasty). 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 crane of open wings, perched on a rock above Li-Shui (the ocean 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 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 among peonies, longevity peaches and bats (Fu: symbol of fortune). 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. Chain stitches were used to create the archaic key border.
For a 1st rank badge with nearly identical design, see Accession Number: 30.75.968 in the collection of Metropolitan Musem of Art.