Korean Hyungbae Embroidered Silk Rank Badge

Late Joseon Dynasty, the end of 19th century

☆Badge features a design of double leopards above Lishui waves

☆Twin leopard badges were worn by the military officials of the first to the third rank, while the fourth rank

☆Colored silk threads were

☆Wood framed under glass (I did not remove to examine)

☆ Fabric brocade backdrop

Owner was gifted this and a swan badge when he was commander of the Osan Air Base, South Korea. The General was also Commander of the Korean Air Defense Sector, Deputy Commander of Air Forces Korea and received many gifts from the government and dignitaries of south Korea.

Condition

The badge itself is in excellent condition as examined under glass. The fabric backdrop shows some discoloration. The traditional.Asian style frame is cracked at the left bottom corner, but could be repaired.

Originated in Chinese Ming court and known as "Mandarin Square" in the west, rank badges were used as symbolic identification of one's status in the civil and military service. The Ming tradition continued to Qing dynasty when it was coded with high formality, but it also spread to the Joseon court in Korea in the 15th century. Korean court adapted and modified the Chinese system; therefore, the symbolism and design layouts were distinct, yet they remained literally unchanged from the prototype for the next hundreds of years in Korean court.

Dimensions

    9.5" x 8.75" panel

    13ʺ × 1" × 16.5ʺ frame

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