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China: Dragon as a badge of rank. Dragon insignia roundel, silk and gold thread embroidery on silk. China, Qing Dynasty, second half 19th century

China: Dragon as a badge of rank. Dragon insignia roundel, silk and gold thread embroidery on silk.
China, Qing Dynasty, second half 19th century

Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore. In Chinese art, dragons are typically portrayed as long, scaled, serpentine creatures with four legs. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon is yang and complements a yin fenghuang or 'Chinese phoenix'.

Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. With this, the Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power and strength.

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