Mandarin Square

Square rank badge for fourth rank civil official. To be worn on front 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 brown cloth. Gap at center of design but cloth never cut apart to attach to robe front, i.e. never worn.