Mandarin Square

Square eighth rank civil official's badge for front of robe. At center a quail faces the sun as it stands on a rock amidst waves. The bottom edge has the 立水 li shui ('standing water') design denoting deep water. Pearls and four of the eight Buddhist symbols float in the waves: fish; conch; vase; wheel of the law. On the rocky banks fungus, bamboo, narcissus grow. The sky is filled with clouds, five bats, four of the eight Buddhist symbols; lotus; canopy; mystic knot; and umbrella. Greek fret border in couched gold. Background in poor condition. Probably originally laid with gold thread which was removed for re-use. Primarily Peking knot with couched twisted cord and satin stitch. Backing of green patterned silk with symbols of eight Daoist immortals in pattern. Also on backing: "Made in China" stamp; and white paper sticker with two Chinese characters and the number "327".