Front and Back Panels of Rank Badges for a Seventh Rank Civil Official Front Panel of a Rank Badge for a Seventh Rank Civil Official

Rank badges, always made in pairs, were placed on the front and back of surcoats in order to communicate their wearer’s rank during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911). Different motifs were regulated by the imperial court, including bird motifs used only for civil officials, while beasts were used for military officials. The hierarchy of ranks within these categories was represented by specific birds and beasts.

These rank badges feature a silver pheasant, representing a fifth rank civil official. In the Ming Dynasty, the birds on rank badges were often presented in pairs in an upper and lower position. Later, in the Qing Dynasty, only one bird or beast was seen on rank badges. It is perched on a rock and gazing at a sun disc in the top right corner. The pattern on the badge is embroidered with fine seed stitches of multicoloured silk floss. The metallic background is made from couched gold metal-wrapped thread.

This badge would have been worn on the front of a surcoat, as it has a split down the middle to accomodate a center-front opening.