Rank Badge with Egret

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The egret corresponds to the sixth civil rank. The bird on this badge has lost most of the long white crest that is an identifying mark of the egret; however, a few white threads still remain near the head. These traces of the crest and the bird's green legs and bill confirm its identity. The rock on which the egret stands was once embroidered completely with peacock feather thread, now mostly lost. It would have shimmered with iridescence, rivaling the splendor of the gold background.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art