Rank badge (buzi) of military rank 1, qilin
China
Qing dynasty (1644–1912)
19th century
Embroidered silk
Lent by the University of Michigan Museum of Archaeological Anthropology, 10239a
Animals and mythical creatures were used to denote rank on military badges. Early in the Qing dynasty, the animal associated with the first, or highest, rank was changed from a lion to a qilin, a composite mythical beast that signified longevity, grandeur, and wise administration. A qílín has a dragon’s head with two horns, a stag’s body, fish scales, and the tail of a Chinese bear (identified by the curls at its base). In contrast to every other non-imperial rank creature, the qílín looks out at the viewer.
On this badge, the qílín is embroidered on a separate piece of cloth that has been appliquéd on top of the background composition. This practice allowed badge producers to quickly and efficiently turn pre-embroidered bases into a badge for a specific rank. The obvious wear on this badge, especially around the edges, where it would have been sewn to the garment, is a testament to its continued use.