Lot 2152. A very rare pair of embroidered gauze military official's rank badges of panthers, buzi, Qing dynasty, early 18th century; 16 in. (41 cm.) square. Estimate HKD 80,000 - HKD 120,000. Price realised HKD 275,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

Made for a sixth rank military official, each is finely embroidered in counted stitch on a dark blue gauze ground with a panther, biao standing between two upright rock formations surrounded by clouds, above a lishui stripe. The whole scene is set within a cloud border, in muted shades of ivory, beige, blue, pale green, pale gold and pale russet, surrounded by an outer border of couched gold keyfret, mounted and framed (2).

Provenance: Linda Wrigglesworth, London

Christie's. Imperial Sale; Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall, 29 May 2013