Fine Korean Embroidered Military Rank Badge Joseon Dynasty One of the Pair

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A Korean embroidered silk rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from late Joseon Dynasty circa t19th century. One of a fine … Read more A Korean embroidered silk rank badge (Hyungbae in Korean) from late Joseon Dynasty circa t19th century. One of a fine matching pair, the badge features design of a crouching white tiger- leopards above the Li-sui waves, Lingzi longevity mushroom, coral and rocks pattern, surrounded by auspicious polychrome clouds. The single leopard badges were worn by the military officials of the fourth rank and below. Colored silk threads were used in long and short satin stiches and chain stiches to create this intricate imagery. Bordered in original blue brocade. Framed in a new gilt wood frame with museum quality glass. The badge measures 9" x 10.25".
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.
For a nearly identical rank badge, see lot 724 in Christies' sale 3485 May 17th, 2014. The ten signs of long life: The Robert Moore Collection of Korean Art. See less