Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Liangguang Butang Silver Award Plaque
(Full Size)
兩廣部堂銀賞牌
(官方版)
Item number: M238
Year: AD 1850-1899
Material: Silver
Size: 148.4 x 111.8 x 0.6 mm
Weight: 18.25 g
Provenance: Spink 2022
This is a silver award plaque from the Qing Dynasty, presented in the name of the Viceroy of Liangguang, who governed Guangdong and Guangxi. The specific period of issuance is unknown, but it likely dates to the late 19th century during the late Qing Dynasty.
The plaque consists of two parts: the top part features a ruyi (auspicious) design, while the lower part is circular and adorned with round beads around its perimeter. At the top of the plaque is a hole for threading a cord for wearing. Below the hole is a Chinese character “百” (bai) in regular script and the issuing authority “兩廣部堂” (Liangguang Butang), with “Butang” referring to the “Viceroy,” commonly known as the “Governor-General.” The main surface of the plaque bears the large character “賞” (reward) in regular script.
According to research by the National Museum of Taiwan History, the manufacturing process of silver award plaques during the Qing Dynasty involved several steps. First, a thin sheet of a specified size was hammered out. The metal sheet was then placed into a mould and stamped using a hammer and punch to create the text and decorative patterns on the front. Finally, the excess material around the edges was trimmed with a cutting knife, completing the process.
After the Manchus entered China and established their regime, they initially used paper award plaques as a form of encouragement. These plaques were categorised into five grades based on the level of military merit, serving as an important basis for the promotion of military personnel. The award plaques were typically presented by high-ranking officials such as provincial garrison generals, viceroys, and governors, or directly by the imperial court. After the Qianlong period, the award plaques were further linked to the ranks of officials, a practise that continued until the late Qing Dynasty.