Featured Chinese embroidery, take 3

Chinese embroidery is yet another thing that I had never thought about before spending (too much) time here. This is the third one I've posted here, hopefully they are getting better. About 11 inches square. What can be said about this one? (sorry about the glare - colors much better IRL but I didn't want to take it out of the frame)

 

Gee, I'd like to give you some good news, but that looks like machine woven fabric to me. And the seam right down the middle (note how the border at the bottom doesn't match up?) is not a good sign either.

 

This is a rank badge, Ching, not very high quality but ok, not a high rank either and not sure, but maybe a wife's badge ..the reason the seam is "off" is that this is a "front" badge and each piece is from the left and right halves of a garment.

 

The seam in the middle is caused by the civil servant rank badge being sewn on the front of the gown. The front badge was in two pieces to allow for the opening of the gown which would be buttoned together.

 

But it isn't done in "embroidery" is it?

 

Not all were embroidered. Some were woven.

https://rugrabbit.com/node/185978

 

way overpriced, low rank not great quality - much better buys out there.

 

Thanks, that's a great comparable. Value is not an issue since I paid 1/50 that amount. Yes, looking at it now I can see it is clearly woven, but hand-woven. Do the eight "auspicious symbols" sprinkled around make it any earlier? In your link it states: "the plain field of clouds without auspicious symbols would indicate a Ch'ng Dynasty date of 1898 or later".

 

I cannot say anything about a possible date. I was only looking for a good example of a woven rank badge.

 

Very nice old piece!
Interesting reading:
https://www.christies.com/features/Chinese-robes-collecting-guide-7813-1.aspx

 

I am always on the lookout for antique Chinese silk embroideries especially rank badges. It is really the only thing I collect. With my walls already full, I tend to be pretty selective though. Jeff. You seem to run across things, so please continue to show them.

 

I just sold a pair of Lion badges, General rank, so just one down from the top.

 

Thanks for telling me this!

 

OK, you asked for it. This is a real embroidery this time. I liked the bugs flying around and the ducks seeming to squabble over some food, and thought the embroidery quality was pretty good. I thought maybe a bit earlier than the others I've shown. Unfortunately the pictures look quite bad, a combination of being behind glass and too bright a day and of course the colors aren't great to begin with due to age. Anyway...

 

That’s a real lovely piece. I can’t discuss it yet with you as I am traveling but I’ll be back Friday.

 

One more to look at when you're back. This one is in much better condition without sun damage, and has a couple different stitches. Maybe relatively newer?

 

That is a really beautiful piece. You did good. Not what I am looking for though. I already have several miscellaneous pieces of embroidery like this. Thanks for tracking it down.

 

This is a more modern piece, you are right. Where the old ones usually come from are clothing or other objects that have been cut up. While the colors can remain vibrant in an old piece, one of the things that give this away as newer is that it is like a picture - a design unto itself. Please keep taking pictures of things you see.

 

mid 19th century seventh rank mandarin badge in kesi technique

 

mid 19th century fourth rank wild goose badge in kesi technique