Mid 19th century pair of Chinese textile rank badges (also called mandarin squares) denoting the fifth civil rank symbolized by the bird on the badge - the Silver Pheasant. The badge consisting of two parts was on the front to allow for the robe opening. The bird is embroidered on separate fabric, which is sewn on top of the background (see the photo of the back of the badge) - the idea behind that is that as one advances in ranks, the old bird is removed, and the bird corresponding to the next ...click for details
Mid 19th century Chinese textile rank badge (also called mandarin square) denoting the fourth civil rank symbolized by the bird on the badge - the Cloud Goose. The bird is embroidered on separate fabric, which is sewn on top of the background (see the photo of the back of the badge) - the idea behind that is that as one advances in ranks, the old bird is removed, and the bird corresponding to the next rank is sewn on the background, thus recycling the square itself. The red sun is also appliqued ...click for details
