During the Ming and Qing dynasties, high-ranking Chinese officials didn’t need printed calling cards. They displayed their status with vibrant colors, gold threads, and animal patterns embroidered onto the surcoat. Different animals and birds were associated with different ranks and offices, and the pattern on an official's surcoat would indicate his position within the government hierarchy.

These antique insignia, also known as surcoats, were highly prized by the imperial officials and their families, and were passed down as family heirlooms. Nowadays, they are highly sought-after by collectors of Chinese antiques and are considered valuable works of art. They are also a fascinating insight into the complex social hierarchy of Imperial China, and the role that clothing played in expressing status and power.

You'll receive a heavyweight, giclée, acid-free print that's created to last for generations. The museum-quality paper works perfectly with large, full-color images. The lightly-textured, matte finish captures fine lines and subtle colors, resulting in stunning works of art (without unwanted reflections)
 
• Printed using eco-friendly, water-based inks
• FSC approved or sustainably-sourced paper
• Frame and matting isn't included. Print only.
• Shipped in a damage-proof artwork tube. 
• Premium-quality (200gsm) giclée, acid-free paper

➤ DIGITAL-RESTORATION ART

We specialize in digital recreations of vintage sacred and surreal art. Each work is a handmade digital restoration of the original image, not a pixellated copy of an Internet image that some other vendors may sell. We provide high-quality, clean digital restorations — true to the original — with great attention to detail.