Mandarin Square

52-23-29A

From: China

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Native Name Buzi (補子)
Object Number 52-23-29A
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Chinese
Provenience China
Period Qing Dynasty
Date Made Early 20th Century
Section Asian
Materials Silk | Aniline Dye
Technique Embroidered | Pekinese Stitch
Iconography Wild Goose | Lucky Jewels | Swastika | Sun | Li Shui | Bats | Narcissus | Fungus | Bamboo
Inscription Language Chinese Language
Description

Square rank badge for fourth rank civil official. To be worn on back of robe. At center a beige colored wild goose faces the sun as it stands on a rock amidst waves. The bottom edge has the 立水 li shui ('standing water') design denoting deep water. Eight lucky symbols and swastika float in the water. The Chinese term for swastika is 萬 wan, meaning "myriad" (lit. 'ten thousand') and is meant to invoke the infinite blessings or wishes for happiness for the wearer of the badge. Narcissus, fungus and bamboo grown on the rocky banks at either side. Five bats and clouds in the sky. Greek fret border. Entire design in Pekinese stitch or couched continuous loops with gold thread and aniline dyes on dark cloth.

Height 32 cm
Width 31.5 cm
Credit Line Purchased from J. S. Letcher, 1952

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