清　虎紋刺繡朝服補子|Rank badge with tiger

Unknown

late 18th century · Silk and metal thread embroidery on silk satin · Asian Art

Government officials of the Ming and Qing dynasties wore square badges sewn on the front of their robes. These badges were embroidered with birds for civil officials and animals for military officers—each creature corresponding to a specific rank. A symbol of authority and bravery, the tiger adorned the badge of a senior commander (Rank 3) in the Ming and that of a regimental vice commander (Rank 4) in the Qing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread embroidery on silk satin

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929