Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Civil Rank Badge Egret 6th Rank Metallic Couched For Sale

Authentic late Qing dynasty (c. 1870–1910) Chinese civil official's rank badge (buzi / mandarin square). The central white bird, likely an egret denoting the 6th civil rank, stands on a rock amid crashing waves, looking toward the sun.Worked in densely couched gold- and silver-tone metallic threads with satin-stitched silk on a dark brown silk ground. Rows of shaded blue clouds, auspicious emblems (endless knot, lotus, lingzhi fungus, flaming pearl), and a fish in the waves. Border of shou (longevity) characters and bats. Front badge: two halves joined at the center, as worn on an official's surcoat. Backed with blue silk gauze.Condition: consistent with age. Tarnish to metallic threads, small areas of wear and fraying near the bird's neck and wing, a few loose threads and old stitching. Colors remain vivid. Unframed; ready for framing. Please see all photos.Size: 12 x 11 in