A VERY RARE MING EMBROIDERED 'XIEZHI' RANK BADGE, BUZI
THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN GENTLEMAN
A VERY RARE MING EMBROIDERED 'XIEZHI' RANK BADGE, BUZI

EARLY MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY

Details
A VERY RARE MING EMBROIDERED 'XIEZHI' RANK BADGE, BUZI
EARLY MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY
The imperial censor's rank badge is finely woven to depict a mythical Xiezhi in cream colour highlighted with green and pale brown, its dragon head with a single horn and mouth agape, amidst ruyi-clouds on a brown ground. The beast is standing on a river bank surrounded with lotus and other flowers.
20 in. (51 cm.) square, mounted and framed
Provenance
Linda Wrigglesworth, London

Lot Essay

The Xiezhi is a mythical animal believed to be able to detect wrongdoing and point-out the culprits with its horn. As such it was deemed appropriate insignia for the imperial censors.

This simple composition of the Ming censor badge evolved into a more sophisticated and decorative style during the Qing period, which may include the sun, the implements of the Eight Immortals, auspicious objects and a lishui stripe.

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