19c Chinese textile 4th RANK BADGE mandarin square

Description

19th century Chinese textile rank badge (also called mandarin square) denoting the fourth civil rank symbolized by the bird on the badge - the Cloud Goose. The piece is perfectly rectangular - shape distortions are from photography. The bird is embroidered on separate fabric, which is sewn on top of the background - the idea behind that is that as one advances in ranks, the old bird is removed, and the bird corresponding to the next rank is sewn on the background, thus recycling the square itself. The bird is standing on stylized rocks above waves with Eight Buddhist Emblems (conch shell, lotus, jar, canopy, wheel of the Law, umbrella, endless knot and fish) embroidered on lattice background,
appliqued red sun on the left. Superbly done in brick and satin stitch, excellent colors, beautiful borders, in great condition, later silk backing. Size 11 x 11 inches.