Peacock Feather
Overview
In the Qing ranking system the peacock feather worn on the hat denoted civil rank by the number of eyes on the feather. It is one of the more literal status symbols in the tradition.
Meaning
The peacock feather as a rank marker is a specific administrative symbol — status made visible and removable.
Traditional Interpretation
The number of eyes — one, two or three — determined the grade, which makes this one of the few symbols where the reading is purely quantitative.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does peacock feather symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The peacock feather as a rank marker is a specific administrative symbol — status made visible and removable. In the Qing ranking system the peacock feather worn on the hat denoted civil rank by the number of eyes on the feather. It is one of the more literal status symbols in the tradition.
Where does the peacock feather appear in Chinese art and custom?
Its use is documented across several registers at once. The peacock feather as a rank marker is a specific administrative symbol — status made visible and removable. The three-eyed feather was the highest grade and comparatively rare, and the count is the entire meaning of the symbol.
How is peacock feather read in Chinese tradition?
The number of eyes — one, two or three — determined the grade, which makes this one of the few symbols where the reading is purely quantitative. It is grouped under Fire (火) in the five-element system.
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