Pair of Qing dynasty (1644-1912) civil rank badges with bird

rank badge

Embroidered pair of rank badges (also called mandarin squares or Buzi) sewn together on two sides and lined. Identical embroidered silk panels depicting a bird (possibly a goose, which represents the 4th civil rank of the Qing dynasty) at the center, with wings outstretched. The bird is surrounded by gold floral and sprial designs, blue and gold wave or cloud-like designs, and several auspicious symbols, including a red circle. The bird is standing on gold-threaded mounds, possibly waves, on top of multi-colored diagonal stripes. Imagery includes flowers and fish. Bottom edge is black silk with abstract blue and gold thread design. Side and top edges are lined with gold on black key-fret border.

One panel has a carved jade buckle attached at the bottom center, and is one square piece of fabric (this panel would have been sewn onto the back of the official's coat). The other panel is divided in two halves, which have been sewn together (this panel would have been sewn onto the divided front of the official's coat).