Pair of rank badges for a 3rd rank civil official - rooster, Viet Nam, Nguyen dynasty, early 20th century

Pair of rank badges for a 3rd rank civil official - rooster, Viet Nam, Nguyen dynasty, early 20th century; embroidered silk; gold wrapped thread; peacock feather work, 28.5 x 28.5 cm. Gift of Judith and Ken Rutherford 2006, 298.2006.a-b. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney (C) Art Gallery of NewSouth Wales, Sydney

This pair of 3rd rank rooster badges are surrounded by delicately embroidered floral symbols interspersed with tiny stylised bats. The rock formations have details of peacock feather work. The badges were carefully deconstructed and it was found that a sheet of gold foil had been placed behind the gauze so that glimpses appear through the gaps in the embroidery. The voided areas of the badges have been couched with gold wrapped thread which has been designed to form a column effect. The borders of these badges are comprised of Chinese embroidery, this was not unusual and often the embroidery is later than the badge itself. As has aniline dyes were used, these badges would appear to date from 20th century.

Asian Art Department, AGNSW, August 2006