A PAIR AND TWO SIMILAR EMBROIDERED SILK 'SILVER PHEASANT' RANK BADGES, BUZI
18th/19th century
Each a fifth rank badge with a central left-facing silver pheasant soaring toward the sun, the pair with a purple background and the two similar with auspicious emblems scattered amongst cloud scrolls and tossed on foaming waves, framed.
The largest: 29.5cm (11 5/8in) square (4).

Purple ground 1: much loose and pulled threads throughout and general surface dirt degradation. Repair stitches, orange in colour, hold many parts in place. Backing material faded and worn and torn and frayed along parts of lower edge. Stains include a dark mark on clouds above lotus flower.

Purple ground 2: much loose and pulled threads throughout and general surface dirt, stains and degradation. Repair stitches, orange in colour, many parts in place. Backing material faded and worn and torn and frayed along parts of lower edge.

Both above are complete badges i.e. with no seam down centre line.

Example within replacement key-fret border: well presented but with a few loose and pulled threads and general surface degradation. One circular area below neck of bird appears to be a patch repair and with some potential re-stitching of blue threads outlining the bird also.

Example with shou border: in good overall order but colours faded throughout. Frayed at and around outside edges and occasional loose threads.

Both above are 'split' badges with central vertical seam.