#159 Chinese Rank Badge

Clothing/Dress/Costume

MMN Estate Inventory

Entry/Object ID

159 Chinese

Description

Chinese military rank badge (buzi), circa 1875, featuring the leopard, insignia of a third-rank military official during the Qing Dynasty. The spotted leopard is depicted with an open mouth and raised tail, standing upon a green rocky platform above stylized waves. The composition is surrounded by densely patterned blue cloud scrolls, auspicious symbols, and a red sun disc against a dark blue ground. The lower portion features multicolored diagonal bands representing water, worked in metallic gold, silver, and blue threads. A decorative border incorporating gold longevity (shou) symbols and stylized blue motifs completes the composition. The continuous square panel was designed for placement on the back of an official's court robe.

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Amount Paid

$1,650.00

Date

Nov 28, 1992

Acquired From

Lynette Cunnington

Name/Title

#159 Chinese Rank Badge