Framed Fine Embroidered Fifth Rank Badge Chinese Qing Dynasty

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A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel presented in a giltwood frame circa mid-late 19th century. The square rank … Read more A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel presented in a giltwood frame circa mid-late 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese as Buzi. The design is centered by a silver peasant, the symbol of the fifth rank official in the court of Qing Dynasty. The bird with its wings spread looks up at a full red sun on the upper left corner. This location as well as that it has a split in the middle (uncut) indicating that it was designated to the front of the robe worn by the male official. The peasant, the Li-shui waves and most of the scrolling clouds were done in brilliant silver and gold metallic threads, with additional motifs such as flying jewels, flower and fan, embroidered with colored threads. Notably, the full sun was depicted with a cluster of small red coral beads. The border is of a scrolling vine pattern alternate with lotus flower. The panel was mostly created with fine couching stiches facilitated with long and short satin stiches. See less