Pair of Rank Badges

Rank badges or Mandarin squares appeared around 1391 during the Ming dynasty. The Chinese government proclaimed a series of regulations in the 18th c to classify the civil and government rank of the bearer.

There are three main categories of badges; those for the Imperial court, military administration, and the civil administration. The badges of the nine civil ranks have various birds. These badges generally come in pairs one for the divided front of the surcoat thus the divided front square and one for the back.

This badge is created in gold thread needlework on a dark burgundy ground. On this badge, the image of a quail is surrounded by floral motif scrollwork, clouds, and auspicious symbols.