“Making the Grade” The Badge of Rank III

Wrigglesworth, Linda. “Making the Grade” The Badge of Rank III. London: Linda Wrigglesworth, 1996. First edition. Octavo. 65pp. Original yellow cloth with gilt stamped emblem and gilt-stamped lettering on cover and spine. Facsimiles of handwritten quotes on yellow endpapers. “According to historical sources, China’s mythical Sage-Emperors divided their officials into ranks, designating each rank with a bird symbol. This reference may have provided the ‘locus classicus’ for the insignia badges worn by officials under the Ming (1368-1644) and succeeding Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.” (Gary Dickinson). Profusely illustrated with 51 color reproductions of magnificent images of badges with elaborate captions. List of illustrations laid in. Binding rubbed with 4″ circular water stain around image on cover with front cover lightly bent. Binding in overall fair, interior in very good condition. g+. Hardcover. (37635) $65