Met X Wendover Art " Rank Badge With Tiger " by The Met

Government officials of the Ming and Qing dynasties wore square badges sewn on the front of their robes. These badges were embroidered with birds for civil officials and animals for military officers - each creature corresponding to a specific rank. A symbol of authority and bravery, the tiger adorned the badge of a senior commander (Rank 3) in the Ming and that of a regimental vice commander (Rank 4) in the Qing. This piece has been printed on raw canvas emulating traditional fabrics from the 18th century. Frayed edges emphasize the antiquity and rustic nature of the original artifact.