Rank badges

What are rank badges and which dynasty are they from?

WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS

'The first badges to indicate rank were introduced in China in 1391 during the Ming dynasty [1368-1644]. They were worn until the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911,' says Judith Rutherford, a Sydney-based Chinese textile consultant.

In imperial China, 'rank badges were squares worn by civil and military officials on the front and back of robes'.

THROUGH THE RANKS

'There were nine civil and nine military ranks, each with their own insignia: birds for civil officials and animals for their military counterparts,' says Rutherford. 'They were made in workshops or in officials' homes.'