Artwork Page for A Pair of Rank Badges with Single Crane Motif

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A Pair of Rank Badges with Single Crane Motif

단학흉배

1800s

Korea, Joseon dynasty

(1392–1910)
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Medium
Silk, satin damask weave; silk thread embroidery
Measurements
object: 25.4 x 25.4 cm (10 x 10 in.); Mounted: 43.2 x 78.1 cm (17 x 30 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Alma Kroeger Fund 2019.78
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Many different types of stitches are used in this pair of rank badges. One of them is the couching stitch that uses a thicker foundation thread and a thinner thread. In this work, gold thread is used as the foundation thread.

Description

Traditionally, square silk badges with embroidered birds and animals were worn on the front and back of official costumes. Rather than simple ornaments, rank badges represent the status of the wearer, with different animals indicating the hierarchy of ranks. The single crane, as on these rank badges, was worn by civil officials of the fourth or higher ranks.
A pair of identical, embroidered squares depicts a central flying white bird with a long neck and long blue legs and beak. Its beak holds a red, swirling shape as they turn to the right. Stylized red, blue, and green cloud-like swirls surround the bird with arcs like waves in even more shades below. A dark-gray and blue rock-like formation juts up in the lower center, sprouting a red flower.

A Pair of Rank Badges with Single Crane Motif

1800s

Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

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