Antique Chinese Military Rank Badge | Qing Dynasty Buzi

Here we have a rare Chinese square rank badge from the (Buzi) Qing Dynasty 19th Century. The amazing silk embroidered artwork depicts a Bear, signifying a military official of the Fifth Rank. You be taken in by the bright blue bear with tufts of lighter blue hair, standing atop a mound, its head turned to look back at the gold sun. Apparently the direction of the bear's gaze signifies the direction of the leader. I can't get over the amazing colors given the artwork originated in the 19th century. The antique silk embroidered artwork comes out of the estate of Woo Yee Sing, the owner of the first Chinese restaurant in Minneapolis, which he opened at the turn of the century. Prior to that he ran an import business. He has a fascinating story. You can learn more about his here.On the reverse you'll find a tag from a framing shop in Duluth which operated in the late 1800s into the 1900s. The framed artwork measures about 12" x 12". There are vertical thread detachments on both sides (see