Pair of rank badges
NameBadge
CultureManchu
DateLate 18th century
Place madeChina, East Asia, Asia
MediumSilk, metallic thread, seed pearls and coral beads
Dimensions12 1/4 × 11 in. (31.1151 × 27.9401 cm)
Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.382V
Object numberA.1995.93.382V
DescriptionA pair of rank badges: 1) consists of two panels assembled side by side to complete one design. There is a dragon which looks forward towards the viewer. The dragon is made of embroidered seed pearls and outlined with coral beads and silk and metallic embroidery. He is surrounded by cloud bands and two bats at each upper corner. Below him is a wave and mountain design. There is a 1" border of geometric designs entwined with curling dragon motifs. Contrasts in the tone of the metallic threads result from the use of different colored couching threads. The panels are backed with a dark purple silk damask. 2) The dragon looks out at the viewer from the center of the design. He is made of embroidered seed pearls, coral beads and slilk and metallic embroidery, He is surrounded by clouds, two bats (one at each upper corner) and smoke. Below him is a sea with waves and rocks. There is a 1" border with geometric designs entwined with curling dragon motifs. Changes in hue of the couched silver and gold embroidery areas result from the use of different colored coughing threads. The panel is backed with dark purple silk damask.
