Judging a Book by its Cover

by Daniel Kuether

Is this a cloth book cover or perhaps something more?  This unusual item, graciously sent to the MHRC recently by Margaret Foster, was originally thought to be a beautifully detailed book cover used by the Darwin D. Martin family.  Upon further research, it appears that not only was the item used as a book cover, but it is also an important personal object from the Chinese Qing Dynasty!

The item is known as a Rank Badge or Mandarin Square.  The Rank Badge was worn by men and women during the Qing Dynasty through the early 20^th century.  The squares were sewn to the front and back of coats, to outwardly display the achieved position in society.  Different motifs meant a different personal status.  This design, now in the Martin House collection, contains the “Silver Pheasant” motif of the 5^th rank.

So why a book cover?  The popularity of these items in private Western collections at the beginning of the late 19^th century saw creative alterations in their use.  The badges were often turned into wall art, coin purses, furniture upholstery, and for the Martins, an unusual cover for a beloved book.