Lot 190 in our auction of Asian Art on Friday 14 May is a rare collection of Chinese rank badges from the Yuan Shikai period (late 1915 to early 1916).
Each roundel is embroidered with the symbols of sovereignty, including the fu surrounded by libation cups, fire, a constellation, a dragon, a mountain, a pheasant, an axe or a waterweed, amongst clouds against a black satin ground.
After he became the first President of the Chinese Republic in 1912, Yuan Shikai had a desire to emulate the old Imperial ranking system. These roundels were made to be worn by officials during the traditional seasonal sacrifices he reinstated. The lower the status of the official, the fewer roundels on his robe, and the fewer traditional symbols of Imperial authority included in the roundel, with twelve being the highest number for roundels and symbols.
The collection of four badges, each glazed and framed, is estimated for sale at £600 - £800
A photograph of Yuan's court practice ritual ceremony on 23rd of December, 1914, shows the officials wearing court robes in similar rank badges.
Asian Art - Friday 14 May
The Fine Interiors department feel privileged to offer for sale a private collection of Antiquities in our 19 & 20 March sale, from the estate of the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory, 5th Baronet of Coryton.
14 March 2024
In 2024 we celebrate the centenary of the birth of sculptor and printmaker Eduardo Paolozzi. Widely believed to be a pioneer of the Pop Art movement in Britain, Paolozzi’s work reflects his interest in the influence of popular culture and the mass media on everyday life.
13 March 2024
We are very pleased to present a series of English pottery char dishes collected by Keith Elliott, the Founder and Editor of Classic Angling, the world’s leading magazine devoted to antique and classic tackle.
12 March 2024