A pair of Chinese rank badges
Xianfeng/Tongzhi Period (1851-1861/1862-1874)
A two-piece front and a single back panel each depicting a golden pheasant of the second civil rank, likely for a merchant's wife, worked in gold metallic thread colored by silk couching loops each with a central applique bird standing on a rock amid stylized waves, clouds, and Buddhist symbols, 3 pieces
Front panels: each: 10.5" H x 5.5" W; Back panel: 10.5" H x 11" W
Literature: This piece illustrated: David Hugus, PhD, "Chinese Rank Badges: Symbols of Power, Wealth, and Intellect in the Ming and Qing Dynasties" (Hong Kong: OM Publishing, 2021), 19, fig. 2.8 and 112, fig. 12.22

Each in overall good condition with light dust accumulation commensurate with age and use. Each with darkening to edges. Each with a few scattered single loose threads. Front pieces with minor loose applique elements at center edges. Each with blue silk lining verso. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.