Plaque, Quong Tart, 1895
Date Published
: Literary
: AI
Plaque owned by Quong Tart, 1895
Chinese wooden plaque owned by Quong Tart, 1895
This plaque is a formal display of the honour bestowed upon Quong Tart by the Qing Court.
Central Column
Transcription: 旨 賞 戴 藍 翎
Translation: "By Imperial Decree: Bestowed the honor of wearing the Blue Feather."
Right Column
Transcription: 光 緒 二 十 年 四 月 初 三 日 奉
Translation: "Received on the 3rd day of the 4th Month of the 20th Year of Guangxu." (May 7, 1894.)
Left Column
Transcription: 五 品 銜 臣 梅 光 達 恭 承
Translation: "Respectfully received by the Official of the Fifth Rank by Brevet, Mei Guangda." [Quong Tart]
Explanation:
The "Blue Feather" (specifically the Blue Plume of the Crow) was a military honour often sold or gifted to prominent civilians and philanthropists. It was a visible symbol of status that could be worn on the official hat.
Five Pin (Fifth Rank): The Qing civil service had 9 ranks. Rank 5 was a mid-level rank, roughly equivalent to a magistrate, though in this case, it is honorary.
Mei Guangda: This is Quong Tart's name in Mandarin (Cantonese - Moy Quong Tart).
