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Late 16th - 17th century

Military Official's Rank Badge

Artist/maker unknown

During the Ming and Qing dynasties imperial officials wore colorful badges like this one to identify their rank at formal ceremonies. Badges with ferocious animals delineated military officers while those with birds denoted civil representatives. This striding lion represents the highest Ming dynasty military appointment.

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Artist/maker unknown, Military Official's Rank Badge, Late 16th - 17th century | Philadelphia Museum of Art