Framed silk embroidered late 19th to early 20th century Chinese official Mandarin court rank badge no. 2. From the front of a surcoat, sixth official ranking ( the lesser egret represents a civil official). Embroidered with five bats, below waves crashing around rockery. 'Forbidden stitch' knot embroidery on a satin ground. Note: So-called as girls were forbidden to continue embroidery in this stitch past a certain age less their eyesight deteriorate into blindness. Width (of embroidery) 30 cm height 26 cm. Width (of frame) 54 cm. Height 50.5 cm