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Court Insignia badge (buzi)
Chinese
Ming dynasty
16th century
Object Place: China
Medium/Technique
Silk satin patterned with supplementary silk and gold-leafed paper threads
Dimensions
41.3 x 37.5 cm (16 1/4 x 14 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Marshal H. Gould Fund
Accession Number2001.740
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionRank badge from the front of garment with seam down the center. Orange satin ground patterned in polychrome silk thread. Gold-leafed paper with flying fish (fei yu), a winged dragon with a forked tail that was used after 1518 to signify a Ming dynasty noble or courtier of the second rank. Badge pieced together with two panels of blue silk patterned with gold. Metallic floral design and orange silk plain weave.
ProvenanceWith the family of Gara Rinpoche of India and Tibet for many generations; given to Gesha Lodse of Bylakuppeludiaon, February, 2001; given to Thukten Lodde, March 2001; purchased by MFA, December 12, 2001.