They are supplementary part of the Official’s robe, a kind of power dressing. In Qing Dynasty, the front patch sewn on the chest is divided into two halves, while the patch on the back is complete. In this patch, applied with bright colors and delicate embroidery, it depicts the egrets on the verge of taking flight with exquisite embroidery techniques. Beads are are wound in circles to form the shape of the sun. A pattern of various treasures is adopted around the edge, symbolizing good luck. In the Qing Dynasty, civilian officials’ rank symbols were birds and military officials’ were beasts. This patch belongs to the eighth-rank civilian officials.

Date of Production: Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Dimension: 32.5 cm x 32.5 cm

Place of Design: China

 Embroidery, beading

Access number: 3650

Museum: China National Silk Museum