Korean Civilian Rank Badge

The use of rank badges, or hyungbae, in Korea was adopted from China in 1494, and used through the early 20th century. Civilian ranks all used the image of a crane, and military officials used tiger-leopards. Pairs of animals symbolize a higher rank.

Made in the 19th century, this badge shows a pair of cranes, one above the other in opposing stance, surrounded by stylized cloud pattern. One crane is holding a mushroom in its beak, a symbol of eternal youth, and the crane itself is a symbol of immortality.

Mounted in a frame with blue velvet.