Introduction

Introducing the new Officially Licensed Metropolitan Museum of Art fine writing instrument sets by Retro 51.

This 18th century Chinese rank badge with tiger is officially joining the Retro51 x The Met collection! In the Ming and Qing dynasty, badges like this one were embroidered to indicate civil officials or rank of military officers and would have been sewn onto the front of the individual’s robes. A symbol of authority and bravery, the tiger adorned badge specified a senior commander (Rank 3) in the Ming dynasty and a regimental vice commander (Rank 4) in the Qing dynasty.

This intricate design has been silk screened onto the pen barrel with a lightly textured lacquer, accented by polished brass accents. The Met logo is on the top ring and finial with a numbered top disk. The commemorative packaging tube can double as a pen stand for when you want to admire this beautiful pen on your desk.

Find new courage in your writing with the Tiger Rank Badge in hand!