Antique Qing Dynasty Embroidered 5^th Rank Badge Silver Pheasant; Up for sale is the rank badge embroidered a silver pheasant with five serrated tail feathers corresponding to the fifth civil rank as 清代文官補, and dated 19th century.

The embroidered rank badge was all in silk, displaying in the center a flying-up pheasant, the feathers of which were combined with golden and silver colors over a deep blue background, namely the could. Many auspicious motifs in varieties were embroidered, including such as bats for blessings, Chinese characters “Shou” for longevity, as well as waves, rocks and endless knots. The unique technique for making the rank badge was the Panjin embroidery (盤金繡) , which was specifically used in the Beijing area of the Qing Dynasty by first wrapping gold and silver foil around extremely fine silk threads which were then used to coil patterns. The badges were worn on both the front and the back of robes. The front badge was split down the middle for the robe opening. The rank badge was framed under glass with provenance notes on the back. Please note, the colors of the embroidery may change from different lighting sources. However, photos 17 & 18 could be more real in colors.

Rank Badge: A rank badge, often called Mandarin Square (Buzi, 補子), was a large, embroidered badge with detailed, colorful animal or bird insignia. It was sewn onto the surcoat of officials in Imperial China, indicating the rank of the official wearing it. The custom began in 1391 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and continued throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). A badge featuring a bird identified the wearer as a civil official. Each rank was represented by a different species, and in the Qing Dynasty the order from highest to lowest was: crane, golden pheasant, peacock, wild goose, silver pheasant, egret, mandarin duck, quail and paradise flycatch.

Measures: Frame, 18” wide x 17” high; Embroidery panel, 12 ½” w x 11 ¼” h; Weight, 3 lbs & 7.2 oz (~1.56 kg).

Condition: Very good, no damage has been found.

Shipment: Our items can be shipped worldwide. Generally, we use FedEx or USPS for all US domestic and USPS for all international shipment. The shipping fee taken by Postal Service is an estimate based on the size, weight and insurance of the item. If in case, there is an overtaking amount, we will be happy to return the balance per the postage receipt through PayPal.

Please note, for customers in Connecticut, a 6.35% tax will be collected.

Return: We try our best to describe the posted items precisely and accurately, pointing out any imperfections. We generally, therefore, do not accept the return, unless the photos posted do not match the items or the items are damaged in shipping. Upon receiving the damaged item, the buyer must keep the original packaging and condition and contact us within 24 hours of delivery.

Please contact us, we are happy to answer any questions and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Please check our other posted items as well. Your satisfaction and feedback is important to us.