Military Official's Rank Badge

Currently not on view

Military Official's Rank Badge

Late 16th - 17th century

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

During the Ming and Qing dynasties imperial officials wore colorful badges like this one to identify their rank at formal ceremonies. Badges with ferocious animals delineated military officers while those with birds denoted civil representatives. This striding lion represents the highest Ming dynasty military appointment.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Military Official's Rank Badge
Embroidered Textile

Date:

Late 16th - 17th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Multicolored silk and metallic embroidery in satin stitch and couching on silk

Dimensions:

15 1/2 × 14 3/4 inches (39.4 × 37.5 cm)

Classification:

Textiles

Credit Line:

Gift of Titi Halle, 2001

Accession Number:

2001-208-1

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

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Currently not on view