The “Rank Badge” from the Ming dynasty made in the early 15th century in China. This piece of Asian art was done in honor of Myron S. Falk Jr. in 1988.
This is an embroider piece of silk floss with wrapped gold thread, and a flat gold on silk gauze.
Dragons are what I image when talking about Asian art. In restaurants I always see statues or paintings of dragons put up as decorations.
Why are dragons important in the Asian cultures??? It is because dragons traditionally symbolize strong and promising control over water, rainfall, and floods.
I liked this piece primarily because of the dragons face; I think its face expression looks strangely nice and friendly. The detail is amazing and just imagine how long this took by silk floss.
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Lorie Said:
on November 25, 2009 at 8:49 am
I agree with you. The dragon’s face does look friendly. Not something you expect to see with a dragon. I bet this looks much better in person. You can probably see all the detail that went into it. I too wonder how long this took to embroider. That had to be one patient person. I agree that dragon’s are a common theme in Asian art. However I had no idea what they symbolized. Now when I see dragon art in a Chinese restaurant I will know that has more meaning than just a decoration. Great information. I enjoyed reading your blog and I learned something too!
Jenna Ginnaty Said:
on December 4, 2009 at 3:23 am
I like how you added a tidbit about why dragons appear in Chinese art so often. I think you could have elaborated more, though. Who is Myron S. Falk Jr.? I am kindof confused that you say it was made in the 15th century but then you say 1988? Is it that the badge is old but this particular one is new? Anyways, I really like dragons and I can’t imagine the kind of time and effort that goes into making something like this.
crwilliams4 Said:
on December 4, 2009 at 11:12 pm
When I checked out the Ming Dynasty I thought I was goimg to see some type of Kung Fu or Kaorte. That is so stereotypical of me, but I am so use to watching these types of movies with my husband and hearing the different dynasties. Every Asian restraunt Ive been to does have a dragon. It’s nice to know why they hold it so dear. So does that region get flooded alot?
melissa Said:
on December 5, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I like you selection of Chinese art “Rank Badge” for a few reasons, the piece was created the year I was born, the materials used (silk floss, gold thread, silk gauze) are quite unusual, and everyone fancies dragons. There is a great deal of detail which is something to appreciate. The color scheme is interesting with blue, orange, and green, yellow, and a hint of black towards the bottom. When I think of Asian art I think of red and black, especially with dragons. The dragon appears to be friendly and have cartoon eyes, which tells me that the dragon who is strong/powerful, is not meant to be feared.
ahutsen Said:
on March 23, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Very good post!! You supported your piece well and I like the extra feed that you put in. You do see dragons as a major role representing the Asian culture. In our culture, it is easiest to go to a restaurant and see all of the dragon artwork and gain a snid-bit of their culture. Even in parades and celebrations the dragons are essential. I am not exactly sure any answer further than your ideas. It is different that the “Rank Badge” dragon has a kind face about him. I am facinated by the floss and materials he is made from…how fancy and yet very time consuming, I’d imagine.
This was a fun and creative piece to examine!