The largest, 31.5×29 cm. (12 3/8×11 3/8 in.)

Probably the most important costume accessory in historical China was the civil and military rank badge, or mandarin square. This embroidered or woven square was stitched upon a plain, front opening surcoat and worn over a court dragon robe, to indicate the wearer’s rank and his office, either civil or military. There were nine ranks for both civil and military officials; military badges displayed an animal while the badge of a civil official was decorated with a bird. Each bird or animal is shown looking up towards a red sun disc which authorities believe originated from an ancient proverb ‘keep your eye on the sun and rise high’. Surcoats with dragon roundels were worn by the emperor and members of the imperial family. The nine degrees of rank were not heredity but were achieved thorough education and rigorous examinations. These were open to anyone through meritorious advancement in local schools and promotion to the prestigious Han Lin, the Imperial Academy, where graduates were given official appointments to government posts. Beginning with the ninth rank, candidates could progress through successive examinations and promotion to the first rank. The wife of a mandarin official was entitled to all the benefits of his rank, as well as the right to wear his official insignia. Women were also entitled to wear the emblem of rank of their fathers or sons.

Price estimate:
HKD: 15,000 - 20,000
USD: 1,900 - 2,600

Auction Result:
HKD: --