Rank Badge with Lion (Ming Kesi) Pillow
Rank Badge with Lion (Ming Kesi) Pillow
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This badge marked a second-rank military official of the Ming dynasty, when a woven lion — regarded as a fierce and dignified guardian — was the prescribed emblem for that grade within China's nine-rank system of official insignia. It was made in the kesi technique, a labor-intensive silk-tapestry weave in which colored wefts are worked only where needed to build the design, prized for centuries as one of the most demanding forms of Chinese textile art. Sewn to the front and back of a court robe, the badge announced its wearer's rank to everyone at court.
Jacquard-woven both sides in soft, durable yarn; insert included.
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I have bought a lot of art online and this is the first time it looked exactly like the listing. There is a life to lion ming kesi here that flat reproductions usually kill. The condition on arrival was flawless, right down to the corners. Our winters are long and dark, and this has made the room feel warmer.
This was packed carefully and showed up without a mark on it. The tones across lion ming kesi are even and deep. Good value even at full price.
This is the rare purchase that looks better in person than online. Every line in lion ming kesi is crisp, even in the busiest areas. My only regret is not ordering sooner.
I have had it a month and I am still not happy with it. Anyone who knows lion ming kesi well will spot the difference right away. The tones are duller in person than the listing image suggested. The quality is acceptable and the price is not.
The detail is good until you get within a couple of feet. The darker areas of lion ming kesi lose some of their depth. It is thinner than I pictured and still holds its shape fine. It is a fine thing to own and not one I would chase down again. I would like it more at a lower price.