Untitled

Unknown

late 18th century · Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi) · Asian Art

The egret corresponds to the sixth civil rank. Tapestry-woven (kesi) in colorful silk with gold thread for the background, this rank badge shows the egret surrounded with waves, rocks, clouds, bats, and flowering plants, including a peach tree, connoting longevity. Below the waves is a stylized water pattern (li shui), which first began to appear on rank badges in the eighteenth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th century

Medium

Silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929