Antique Gilded Second Rank Chinese Rank Badge Textile 46127
This elegant pair of antique civil second-rank badges from China depicts a detailed golden pheasant rendered in a fitting combination of gilded floss and black.
Antique Chinese Rank Badge, China, Antique Chinese Rank Badge Circa – Late 19th century – Intended for a civil official of the second rank, these distinguished antique Chinese rank badges showcase a beautifully detailed left-facing golden pheasant standing atop a craggy rock. The negative space of the obscure black background creates well-defined accents, including two prominent gilded tail feathers and elaborate wings with articulated features. The lavish background incorporates glimmering ruyi-shaped symbols and spiraling vine scrolls that are offset by the deep black background. Arching waves, ruyi motifs and a monochromatic segment of deep water rendered in gilded threads create a dramatic base that artfully showcases the sharp black background. Delicate borders embellished the golden flowers and spiraling vinescrolls enclose the lavishly decorated field of this elegant antique Chinese second-rank badge.