Rank Insignia (Buzi)

ClassificationsTextiles-components-panels

Date1890-1910

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumSilk and gold-wrapped thread

Dimensions12 1/4 x 12 in. (31.1 x 30.5 cm)

Credit LineFrom the collection of Fyle Edberg and Paul Foote. Gift of Helen Jahnke.

Object number2007.1.46

DescriptionPair of insignias sewn together in center (top and bottom). Top piece is in one piece. Bottom piece is in two pieces and sewn together. Buzi are rank insignias which were worn by officials of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties. These embroidered panels, about a foot square, would be attached to the front and back of a robe with a split embroidery used on the front. Not every rank insignia included birds, but due to the prestigious status held by many species of birds in China, they often did embellish rank insignias. The above features a silver pheasant and was the fifth rank of late Qing dynasty civil officials. We can see that the embroidery is rife with symbols of good fortune such as bats—the Mandarin character for which is a homophone for prosperity—and the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism.

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