Front and Back Panels of a Rank Badge for a Second Rank Civil Official Back Panel of a Rank Badge for a Second 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. 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.

This pair of rank badges features a golden pheasant, representing a second-rank civil official. It is perched on a rock and gazing at a sun disc in the top left corner. Surrounding the birds in this badge are clouds and waves. These badges are made with gold and silver metal-wrapped thread and details rendered in multi-coloured silk floss.

This badge would have been worn on the back of a surcoat, as it does not have a split down the middle.