Oct 28, 2019

A Pair of Rank Badges with Single Crane Motif

A Pair of Rank Badges with Single Crane Motif

단학흉배

1800s

Part of a set. See all set records

Silk, satin damask weave; silk thread embroidery

Object: 25.4 x 25.4 cm (10 x 10 in.); Mounted: 43.2 x 78.1 cm (17 x 30 3/4 in.)

Alma Kroeger Fund 2019.78

Location

Did you know?

Many different types of stitches are used in this pair of rank badges. One of them is the couching stitch that uses a thicker foundation thread and a thinner thread. In this work, gold thread is used as the foundation thread.

Description

Traditionally, square silk badges with embroidered birds and animals were worn on the front and back of official costumes. Rather than simple ornaments, rank badges represent the status of the wearer, with different animals indicating the hierarchy of ranks. The single crane, as on these rank badges, was worn by civil officials of the fourth or higher ranks.

See also
Collection: 
Korean Art
Department: 
Korean Art
Type of artwork: 
Textile
Credit line: 
Alma Kroeger Fund

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