Antique Joseon Dynasty Korean Embroidered Civil Rank Badge

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A fine Korean silk embroidered rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from Joseon Dynasty circa late 19th century. The badge features … Read more A fine Korean silk embroidered rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from Joseon Dynasty circa late 19th century. The badge features a design of double flying cranes above the Li-sui waves, Lingzi longevity mushroom and rocks pattern, surrounded by auspicious clouds. The twin cranes badges were worn by the civil officials of the first to the third rank, while the fourth rank and below worn single crane. Colored silk threads were used in long and short satin stiches facilitated by couching stiches to create this intricate imagery.
Originated in Chinese Ming court and known as "Mandarin Square" in the west, rank badges were used as symbolic identification of one's status in the civil and military service. The Ming tradition continued to Qing dynasty when it was coded with high formality, but it also spread to the Joseon court in Korea in the 15th century. Korean court adapted and modified the Chinese system; therefore, the symbolism and design layouts were distinct, yet they remained literally unchanged from the prototype for the next hundreds of years in Korean court.
The rank badge on offer was a fine example of such work of art. It was presented in a floating black lacquer frame with a complimentary golden color fabric matt. The badge measures 12.25" in square.
For similar twin crane badges dated to the same period, see Accession Number: 53.60.9 in the collection of Metropolitan Musuem of Art, NYC and T.198 dash 1920 and 1848A-1888 in the collection of Victoria and Albert Musuem, London.
1848A-1888 is also featured on the cover of the book "Korean Art and Design" by Neth Mckillop as shown in the last picture. See less