KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)

Details

AN EMBROIDERED GOLD-GROUND RANK BADGE OF A CRANE, BUZI
KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
Made for a first rank civil official, the bird is worked in white satin stitch standing on a jagged rock emerging from waves tossed with auspicious emblems in shades of blue, green, brown and coral. Details of the bird and rock formation are worked in green peacock feather filament.
14 in. x 13 3⁄4 in. (35.5 cm. x 34.9 cm.)

Literature

D. Hugus and D. Yee, Arts of Asia, “Evolution of Yongzheng Rank Badges,” January-February 2011, p. 66, no. 1.
D. Hugus, Chinese Rank Badges: Symbols of Power, Wealth, and Intellect in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2021, p. 73, fig. 7.7.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Rufus Chen (陳嘉安) Head of Sale, AVP, Specialist

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

In Chinese folklore, the crane was thought to live for over 200 years and that it stored its accumulated wisdom in its red 'cap'. This is likely why the emblem of the crane was prescribed for use on the clothing of the emperor's closest advisors.

A very similar Kangxi-period crane badge was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 30 May 2012, lot 4032. A very similar Kangxi period badge, but depicting a silver pheasant, for official’s of the fifth rank was sold at Christie's New York, The Imperial Wardrobe, Fine Chinese Costume and Textiles from the Linda Wrigglesworth Collection, 19 March 2008, lot 28.

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