Front Panel of a Rank Badge for a Second Rank Military 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.

This rank badge features a qilin, representing a first rank military official. The mythical creature is engulfed in flames. It is perched on a scholar's rock, which are particularly-shaped rocks appreciated by the literati and found in Chinese gardens. This badge is crafted with embroidery using silk floss, peacock feather, and metal-wrapped thread.