Mandarin squares as a form of rank badge and decoration of Chinese robes

Abstract

umerous museums in Poland and abroad as well as private collections include a great number of items called mandarin squares1). These are woven or embroidered badges2) used as rank badges on robes belonging to civil officials, advisers and other dignitaries in the courts of the Chinese emperors. They were used from the beginning of the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) to the end of the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911)3). A rigorous examination system was the way to receive a suitable civil or military rank. It was only after passing the examination that one could wear a given badge. The highest of them was the first rank and the lowest – the ninth4). Young boys started training at the age of three. Some men spent their whole lives trying to qualify for a mandarin badge, which was a symbol of great devotion. Mandarin squares are more than the symbol of a certain difficult-to-obtain status5). They depict the Chinese universe – the earth, the sea and the sky, represented by rocks, waves, clouds and animals or birds, used as the symbols of particular ranks6). Civil officials received badges with the images of birds and military officials – with the images