Silver Pheasant

Mandarin Square, Bird and Sun; Official Civil Badge: 5th rank Silver Pheasant, China, 19th century
Silk, satin, gold and silk embroidery; 29.5 x 29 cm

Chinese official garments showed square fabric applications with depictions of rank on front and back of overcoats. The rank of civil officials was represented by nine different bird depictions. This badge is adorned with a silver pheasant which symbolised the fifth rank whereas a crane symbolised the first rank. The birds symbolise virtues such as longevity, wisdom, courage, beauty, dignity, loyalty and goodfortune.