Untitled

Unknown

18th century · Silk, metallic thread, and peacock feather thread embroidery on silk satin · Asian Art

The peacock insignia was worn by Qing-dynasty civil officials of the third rank. Originally, this sumptuous badge appears to have had a split down the center, suggesting that it was for the front of an official's surcoat, which would have opened down the middle. Rank badges for the back of the surcoat have no such split. Fittingly, peacock-feather thread, now very worn, was used in the embroidery of the peacock's tail and also for the perforated rock in the waves below.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Silk, metallic thread, and peacock feather thread embroidery on silk satin

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1936