Drawing of a Leopard, from Illustrated Badges

While in court, officials wore badges representing their rank among nine grades. Civil officials had badges with images of birds. Here, a silver pheasant and a paradise flycatcher mark the fifth and the ninth grades. In contrast, military officials wore badges with animal images. The panther and leopard, likely worn by mid-level military officials, symbolize the fierce strength of warriors. The two drawings come from pattern books for badges.

An official wore a pair of badges, one on the chest and the other on the back, as suggested by the image nearby. The flycatcher badge here shows a central seam, indicating it was attached on a robe with an open front. Beautifully embroidered with luxurious materials, the badges showcase the expert craftsmanship of the textile industry that served the imperial court.