Antique Embroidered Chinese Civil Rank Badge

Item Details

Unsigned

A vintage Chinese civil rank badge. This handmade silk embroidery piece uses couching and satin stitching of colorful silk and metallic threads to depict a peacock perched on a rock in a sea of rolling waves, the sky behind it filled with clouds. The peacock represents the 3rd civil rank, and a seam through the center suggests this piece was worn on the front of a robe. The piece has an embroidered border of reticulated medallions and hooked forms. The work is presented mounted on fabric, behind glass, and in a wood frame with wire to the verso for hanging.

Condition

- discoloration to textile; fraying to edges; some minor pulling to thread throughout; seam through center of piece; foxing to fabric background; staining to background fabric; water damage and discoloration to verso.

Dimensions

- measures frame; visible image measures 12.0" W x 11.25" H.

Item #

18BOS124-023