Embroiderers' Guild of WA Textile Museum > Records

GENERAL EMBROIDERY, RANK BADGE

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Overview

Embroidered Silk Gauze Panel, China, late Qing Dynasty (late 19th – early 20th century)

This finely worked silk gauze panel is embroidered in counted straight stitches resembling a form of darning. The design is structured into five distinct horizontal bands, worked with precision and symbolic intent. Unlike traditional Chinese buzi (rank badges), which often depict birds or animals to indicate official rank, this panel is entirely abstract.

The uppermost band features a maze-like geometric lattice incorporating swastika motifs (a traditional Buddhist symbol for eternity and good fortune), overlaid with rounded coloured clouds.
Below this is a stylised mountain range, rendered as arched bridge-like forms stretching upward into the sky.
A band of parallel blue lines follows, representing the sea.
Surrounding the main design is a contrasting patterned border that completes the composition.

The panel is backed with pale blue linen, though it is fragile—one side is disintegrating and separating from the backing, highlighting its delicate condition.

While the absence of animal motifs suggests this piece is not a conventional civil or military rank badge, it reflects the enduring design language of late Qing embroidery. During this period, as the imperial structure weakened and collapsed (culminating in 1911), official symbols like buzi were increasingly repurposed, traded, and adapted for personal, decorative, or commercial use.

On the back is stamped ‘Made in China”. Gregson’s auction number on a label is 2923.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-78-2000.259

Width

230 mm

Height or length

230 mm

Last modified

Thursday, 14 August, 2025

Completeness

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