Back Panel of a Rank Badge for a Sixth 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 panther, symbolizing a sixth rank military official. The panther is crouching on a rock and surrounded by ruyi-shaped clouds and peonies. The pattern on the badge is embroidered using satin and seed stitches.