Mandarin Square

Square rank badge for an Imperial Censor or Judge. Originally pattern was on a split square to be worn on the front of the robe but was transferred onto a single piece of silk so it now resembles a square to be worn on the back of a robe. At center a Xiezhi (獬豸) sits on a rock amidst waves with rocky banks on either side. Pine trees on one of the banks. Sky contains blue clouds, four red and orange bats, one brown bat and red sun. Done primarily in coarse Peking knot stitches on blue-black satin. Couched gold outlines and border and twisted silk in satin stitch details in pine needles. Greek fret pattern border. Yellow dragon and cloud patterned silk backing with stamp "Made in China."