Vicky Thomas Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Rank Badges would be worn on the front and back of the robes of exceptional scholars.
The badge rank system was split between military denoted by animals, and civil which was marked with birds.A badge featuring a bird identified the wearer as a civil official who would sit to the Emperors left at functions -so the birds are facing right towards him!
These badges were incredibly hard to win with only one in a thousand people actually being successful. As you might imagine, something so hard worked for and highly prized, the badges are of the most beautiful quality - this has led to them becoming extremely collectable.
In the centre we can see the Mandarin Duck itself - perched atop a rock in the swirling sea, gazing up towards the sun and the Emperor. All around the bird are clouds, bats and flowers, whilst below the ocean swells with frothy waves dotted with knot-work and other sacred imagery.
The panel contains exquisite stitch-work, including the Peking Stitch - also known as 'The Forbidden Stitch' as the stitches were so small it was believed that it could make the embroiderer go blind! Hopefully that didn't happen to the person who crafted this beauty!
The back of the bird has beautiful feathering that is reminiscent of peacock feathers, and the blue tips of the wings really catch and change hue in the light.
The embroidery is 25cm by 25cm, and measures 32cm in its wooden frame. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if I can provide any further information or photographs.
I offer free postage across Mainland UK, and am very happy t help with quotes for shipping abroad.
Vicky Thomas Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
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Chinese Embroidered Silk Official's Rank Badge - Mandarin Duck - Quing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)
