Chinese antique Mandarin Hat Finial of the 7th grade, Qing Dynasty #2169

Chinese Antique Mandarin Hat Finial of the 7th grade, Qing Dynasty #2169

A very collectible hat finial that have been used on top of the hat of a Mandarin official of the 7th Rank.

Measurements: 

High: ca 5,8 cm 

Condition: The filigree have some breakage and missing parts. Slightly skew, General wear and oxidation from usage and age.

Note: Wooden stand is NOT included in this sale

A short introduction of the mandarin hat finial and its indication of rank in the Manchu government:

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:

• The first rank wore a precious ruby, or a transparent red stone. 
• The second rank wore a red coral button
• The third rank wore a sapphire 
• The fourth rank wore a lapis lazuli (a rich blue stone) or blue opaque stone
• The fifth rank wore a crystal button 
• The sixth rank wore an opaque white shell or moonstone
• The seventh rank; a plain gold button
• The eighth rank; a worked gold button
• The ninth rank; a worked gold button