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Qing Dy Silk Embroidered Chinese Court Official Bird Rank Badge stock #JHoriole
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Rare antique Chinese court official's rank badge with an bird standing on a rock. The background is black silk and embroidered with very fine silver foil wrapped over silk threads that are tacked into position with gold silk thread, a technique known as couching. This is some of the finest most delicate couching I have seen. This color combination give the silver couching a slightly golden tint but with silver being dominant color. The bird is embroidered using satin stitch technique. Three bats symbolizing happiness and joy are in the heavens above the bird. Below in the waves is a turtle, a symbol of longevity. The remainder of the badge is embroidered with flowers, tendrils, and a beetle insect. Having been framed in a tray in the early 1900's and stored in a cabinet away from sunlight, it is excellent condition. Frame measures 12.75" across. Dates circa 1850 - 1890. Any perceived discoloration is from reflections from the glass on the tray. |
