240 - Set consisting of a small pouch, two mandarin badges, and a piece of silk gauze, China, 19th–20th century

Set consisting of a small pouch, two mandarin badges, and a piece of silk gauze, China, 19th–20th century - A small red silk pouch embroidered with metallic threads depicting a bat, a peach, and a lotus flower. It closes with a cord finished with tassels. - A rectangular beige silk gauze textile embroidered with multicolored silk threads depicting baskets of flowers, lotuses, orchids, camellias, plum blossoms, and butterflies. Framed by a strip of beige silk embroidered with clouds and geometric motifs. - Two mandarin insignia (front and back) of the fourth civil rank, featuring in the center the wild goose “yan” with outstretched wings, its orange beak turned toward the red sun. The bird perches on a steep rock emerging from the sacred Lishui waters, set against a background of clouds and the eight precious treasures. The border is adorned with stylized “shou” characters and bats. Insignia: 27 x 29 cm; fabric: 86 x 34 cm; pouch: 9 cm Stains, tears. Both the bird and the sun are made of appliqué elements, sewn in layers onto the embroidered background. This technique, which was very common in the late Qing period, made it possible to modify an official’s insignia in the event of a promotion or to readjust the orientation of the sun according to the rules of etiquette and the gender of the wearer (a man or a mandarin’s wife).