Ming Dynasty Kesi silk rank badge (buzi) with peacock motif
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Ming Dynasty
This rank badge, known as a buzi, is an authentic Ming Dynasty textile intended for attachment to a third-rank civil official's court robe (changfu). It is executed in the highly refined kesi weaving technique, characterized by a method of continuous warp and discontinuous weft, traditionally regarded as one of the most precious forms of silk production.
The badge features a symmetrical design depicting a pair of peacocks with outstretched wings and elaborate trailing tails, symbols denoting the civil service rank of the wearer. These birds are set against a landscape background comprised of multi-coloured stylised clouds, rolling waves, and prism-like rocks. Measuring approximately 37cm in width by 28cm in height, the textile is constructed using raw silk for the warp and degummed silk for the weft, resulting in a distinctively clear pattern and lightweight feel.
The badge is presently mounted onto a wooden display panel.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- raw silk warp, degummed silk weft
- Dimensions
- 37cm wide x 28cm high
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Kesi silk weaving
Design
- Rank
- Third-rank civil official
- Motif
- Peacocks, clouds, waves, rocks
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.