Korean Embroidery Civil Rank Badges Joseon Dynasty

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A framed finely embroidered Korean silk rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from Joseon Dynasty circa late 19th century. The badge … Read more A framed finely embroidered Korean silk rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from Joseon Dynasty circa late 19th century. The badge features a design of double flying cranes surrounded by auspicious colored clouds above Li-sui waves and rocks. One crane holds a branch of Lingzi the magic mushroom, symbol of longevity in its beak. The twin-crane badges were worn by the civil officials of the first to the third rank, while the fourth rank and below worn single-crane badges. Colored silk threads were used in tight long and short satin stiches, facilitated by chain stitches for outlining, to create the intricate imagery. The badges were housed in a brocade shadow mat with subtly woven pattern thin gild trim and presented in black wood frame with original hanging brass hinges.
The badge measures approximately 7.25" H x 6.75" W.
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 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.
A nearly identical badge is in the collection of Rijks Musuem Amsterdam (6075-53). Illustrated in figure 55 on page 49 "Highlights from the Korean collection of Rijksmusuem Volkenkunde". (See last two pics). See less