Rank Badge with Lion of Asia
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Silk, metallic thread
Dimensions
10 1/4 x 9 3/4 in. (26.04 x 24.77 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Donald P. Spence, 1981
Accession Number
1981.369.1a
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Rank Badge with Lion of Asia**, crafted in 18th-century China during the Qing dynasty (164–1911), is a finely woven textile emblem from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Asian Art collection. Measuring just 10¼ × 9¾ inches, these compact squares were essential insignia sewn onto the chests and backs of official robes denoting the wearer's rank in the imperial. Gifted to the museum in 198 by Mrs. Donald P Spence, it exemplifies the opulent craftsmanship of Qing court attire. The badge features a majestic lion, a potent symbol of power, protection, and ferocity in Chinese iconogra...