Embroidered Faux Silk Panel, Purple. These beautiful vintage textiles are tea stained to show age but we had them dry-cleaned to remove dust. We think they wood be lovely in a vintage or even lucite frame.
We believe this piece was designed to emulate a Mandarin Chinese Rank Badge. Read more about it below!
DIMENSIONS: 10.5" x 10.5"
They show age and wear and have been priced accordingly.
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FACTS & HISTORY: Mandarin Chinese rank badges were first worn by Ming dynasty Chinese officials beginning in the 14th century with continued use through the end of the Ching dynasty in the 20th century. Like other aspects of Chinese wear these rank badges were highly regulated and organized around a rigid social structure.
Further, certain garments would serve official functions while others were ceremonial or worn on informal occasions. Color was also a key signifier. For example, only the emperor and his family could wear yellow robes with dragons. Higher rank officials were designated by colors close to yellow such as orange and brown with lower ranks wearing mostly black and blue garments
Mandarin officials received their starting rank by passing a long and difficult examination process. Military officials exams included mostly physical challenges such as archery and horseback riding. Civilian exams involved scholarly subjects which required tremendous preparation. Once achieving success, these Civilian officials were rewarded for the most part with government positions and were held in high esteem.
Both civilian and military hierarchy had nine ranks made of up 3 ranks each. The multiplication of three is important in Chinese numerology (nine dragon robes, for example). Each rank had a different animal or bird and how they get identified depends on many details.
