
Your guide, a 1st rank mandarin
The birds and animals used on the rank badges were carefully chosen. Each bird or animal was a sign of a
quality limited to the rank of the official.
A golden pheasant is a symbol of being well read and educated. It was worn by a 2nd rank civil official,
one of the highest ranks in China.

Golden pheasant rank badge.
The military officials wore badges that were a sign of strength and power. This rank badge has a panther,
the symbol of speed.

Panther rank badge.
Compare different rank officials' badges.