This auctions is for a MATCHING SET of 2 Chinese Rank badges. 1 piece is solid whole (the badge that would have been on the back of the robe). And 1 badge, which was at one time split and has later been stitched together; the split badge was the two sides of the front of the robe. The badge that has been stitched together also bears white tags with both a seal and characters of writing on 2 corners on the back. Vivid colors. Silk on the back is blue, a commonly used color for civilians. Both measure 11.25" and just barely under 10" tall. No odors or obvious stains, minor fading and wear on the back, some stitch irregularities typical with handmade embroidery. SEE PICTURES as part of the description. It is rare to find these in matching sets.
The central bird is applied to the surface of a square; this was a common practice, done so that as one progress through the ranks the bird is changed without having to remake the entire square.
The silver pheasant denotes a 5th Rank in a civilian during the Qing dynasty; the Qing dynasty was 1644 to 1911. Comparable badges with similar compositional appearance are typically dated late 19th c/late Qing.
Insurance is needed on this valuable an item. Shipping cost does includes the cost of insurance on this package that will ship Ground Advantage by USPS.