In China the rank or dignity of the mandarin is indicated by a button in
the top of the cap. There are nine classes, each of two degrees, and
they are differentiated thus:
│ Class Degree
Red │A ruby or other precious stone 1st 1st
„ │Coral 1st 2nd
„ │A red jewel of inferior quality 2nd 1st
„ │Coral carved in the form of a flower 2nd 2nd
─────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Blue │A light blue precious stone 3rd 1st
„ │The same only smaller 3rd 2nd
„ │A dark blue precious stone 4th 1st
„ │The same only smaller 4th 2nd
─────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────
White│Crystal 5th 1st
„ │The same only smaller 5th 2nd
„ │A white precious stone 6th 1st
„ │The same only smaller 6th 2nd
─────┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Gold │Gold 7th 1st
„ │Smaller 7th 2nd
„ │Smaller 8th 1st
„ │Smaller 8th 2nd
Gold buttons are also worn by the ninth or lowest order—but which,
nevertheless, is a great deal above the common classes.
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