Tex, Korea, embroidery; Embroidered silk with a design of a pair of cranes holding the plant of eternal youth flying amongst clouds above rocks and water. Korean, Choson dynasty, 1800-1880. Badge decorated in silk threads with two cranes holding the plant of eternal youth amongst stylized clouds, rocks and surging waves. Made for an official of 1st-3rd Rank. Colour: Multi-coloured Embroidered with silk thread to show a pair of cranes amidst clouds, this is badge for a member of Korea's court officialdom. As a mark of status, government ministers wore two embroidered badges, on the chest and back of their robes. A design of two cranes indicated a high ranking civil official. Military officials wore badges depicting one or two leopards. Before embroidering, the badge was lined with paper. Padding of paper and silk was used to give a raised effect in the waves and in the feathers of the cranes. The plant in the cranes' beaks is the plant of eternal life, and refers to wishes for the longevity of the wearer.