Lot 170
Framed Scholar Rank Badge, Late 19th Century
Lot 170 Details
Framed Scholar Rank Badge, Late 19th Century
19世紀晚期 官服補子
A sixth-rank badge, on a couched metallic thread ground, with an egret at the centre soaring above waves, amongst five-colour clouds, and surrounded by bats and Buddhist emblems, all contained within a metallic key-fret border
width 11.7" — 29.8 cm.
Estimate $500-$700
Note:
During the Ming Dynasty, a system of insignia for civil and military rank was adopted for officials. The ranks were represented by specific birds or animals, and were embroidered on a silk badge that was worn on the front and back of official garments. This tradition was maintained throughout centuries, and served not only as ornamental embellishments, but also as visible markers of status.
For similar examples, see The Metropolitan Museum, accession numbers 30.75.914 and 30.75.977
類似例子見於紐約大都會博物館,館藏編號30.75.914及30.75.977