RANK PATCHES
During the Chinese Qing Dynasty, approximately 1644 to 1912, ceremonial costumes would have embroidered patches applied to designate ones rank in society. From Princes down the robes would have embroidered square or round patches. For civil officials the patches were embroidered with birds and military officials were embroidered with animals. The crane designated 1st rank, golden pheasant for second rank, peacock for third rank etc. The animals used for military were the Chinese unicorn for first rank, lion for second, leopard for third etc. These birds/animals were embroidered into an elaborate landscape made up of surging waves, mountains, rocks, clouds and treasures in the sky and then sewn onto the costumes. This is a very simplified summary of the rank patches but I am sure you get the picture.
These incredible hand sewn landscapes were the main influence on my Rank Patches and even though I have only been able to do three there will always be hope that someday there will be more.
These incredible hand sewn landscapes were the main influence on my Rank Patches and even though I have only been able to do three there will always be hope that someday there will be more.
Rank patch #1 acrylic on Sintra
40 x 43 x 3 inches collection of the Grace Museum
40 x 43 x 3 inches collection of the Grace Museum
Rank patch #2 acrylic on Sintra
40 x 43 x 3 inches
40 x 43 x 3 inches
The Portal acrylic on wood and Sintra
44 x 44 inches
44 x 44 inches