Mandarin Square

Square ninth rank civil official's badge for wearing on front of robe. At center a Paradise Flycatcher 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. In the waves are pearls and four of the eight Buddhist symbols: the fish; conch shell; wheel of the law and vase. On the rocky banks at either side are fungus and narcissus. The sky is filled with clouds, five bats and four of the eight Buddhist symbols: lotus; canopy; endless knot; umbrella against laid gold thread background. Figures primarily done in Peking knot. Greek fret border in couched gold thread. Vertical seam down center. Blue patterned silk backing.