Late 19th Century Joseon Dynasty Korean Embroidered Military Rank Badge

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A Korean embroidered silk rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from late Joseon Dynasty circa the end of 19th century. The … Read more A Korean embroidered silk rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from late Joseon Dynasty circa the end of 19th century. The badge features a design of double leopards above the Li-sui waves, Lingzi longevity mushroom, coral and rocks pattern, surrounded by auspicious clouds and other symbols including a turning wheel. The twin leopard badges were worn by the military officials of the first to the third rank, while the fourth rank and below worn single leopard. Colored silk threads were used in long and short satin stiches to create this intricate imagery. Framed within a beautiful brocade mat and a new gilt wood frame with museum quality glass. The badge measures 6.5" in square.
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.
For two similar single leopard crane badges, see Accession Number: 53.60.21 and 53.60.22 in the collection of Metropolitan Musuem of Art, NYC and Item FE272 dash 1995 in the collection of Victoria and Albert Musuem, London. See less