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19th Century Chinese Mandarin Qing Blue Enamel Bell ~ Bronze Bead Hat Rank Badge
$78.67
43
- Condition: Great Condition. A bit of enamel loss - last pic. Works perfectly.
- Type: Bells
- Primary Material: Metal
- Refund will be given as: Money Back
- Region of Origin: China
- Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
- Maker: Unknown
- Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
- Color: Blue
- Restocking Fee: No
- Item must be returned within: 30 Days
- All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
- Age: 1850-1899
Description
19th Century Chinese Mandarin Qing Cobalt Blue Enamel Bell
Bronze Metal Bead Hat Rank Badge
4″ Tall x 2 1/2″ Bottom Diameter
Marked: China
Green Peking Glass Bead Ringer
Great Condition
A bit of enamel loss – last pic
Works Perfectly
Laws for hat insignia worn by the Manchu in China, date back to 1636.
Numbering less than a quarter of a million, the Manchu conquered the Chinese
empire, establishing the Qing dynasty by 1644. To assert authority over the Han
Chinese population, the Manchu felt very strongly about having an easily
visible means of identification – whether it be for the Imperial family or,
Chinese nobles and officials. This prompted a dress regulation that codified
dress for the Imperial family and Chinese aristocrats. It distinguished the
ruling elite and government from the general population. Hats were believed to
be more conspicuous than rank badges and for the next century hat laws would
amend from emperor to emperor. By 1727, the Yongzheng Emperor introduced
“Mandarin buttons” also known as hat spheres. They were to be worn on less
formal occasions, and were easier to identify than former hat insignia. The
emperor wore a twisted knob of red silk cord while noblemen and officials wore
a simpler hat sphere. There were nine official ranks according to
tradition, each distinguished by a different color.
By the turn of the 19
th
century, Chinese
communities began to incorporate the buttons into miniature bells for export.
The button formed the handle above a two-inch tall porcelain-covered metal
bell, which used a small glass bead on a chain as a clapper. Today both the buttons and the bells are unique collector’s items.
Please Scroll Pics to See the Design & Condition
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