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19th Century Chinese Mandarin Qing Enamel Bell Clear Peking Glass Hat Rank Badge

$78.67

31

  • Region of Origin: China
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Age: 1850-1899
  • Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
  • Item must be returned within: 30 Days
  • Condition: Excellent Condition. No enamel loss. Works perfectly.
  • Type: Bells
  • Maker: Unknown
  • Color: White
  • Primary Material: Metal

Description

19th Century Chinese Mandarin Qing White Enamel Bell
Clear Crystal Peking Glass Hat Rank Button
3 3/4″ Tall  x  2 1/2″ Bottom Diameter
Marked: China
Green Peking Glass Bead Ringer
Excellent Condition
No enamel loss
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.
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