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Rank Badge with Lion

15th century
Not on view
During the Ming dynasty, the audience robes of government officials bore insignia designating rank. While different birds represented civil ranks, military ranks were represented by a variety of real and mythical quadrupeds. The lion, as seen on this badge, symbolizes the highest military rank.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明早期 刺繡獅子補
  • Title: Rank Badge with Lion
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: 15th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Silk and metallic-thread embroidery on silk gauze
  • Dimensions: Overall: 14 1/2 x 14 1/4 in. (36.8 x 36.2 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, in honor of Myron S. Falk Jr., 1988
  • Object Number: 1988.154.1
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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