| The ancient Chinese people had very distinctive social | | | | clothing was broadly referred to as hanfu with many |
| classes. Each of these has specific styles and | | | | variations such as traditional Chinese academic dress. |
| significance of dressing. Varied symbols are used on | | | | Every individual stratum displayed a different fashion. In |
| the clothing to distinguish between various strata of | | | | fact the military was totally distinctive in its appearance. |
| society. The ancient Chinese clothing has varied | | | | Chinese civil or military officials had an assortment of |
| greatly throughout different periods of time. Each social | | | | motifs to depict their rank and position. Hat knobs were |
| or historical period brought about a new style. | | | | used as an icon of their rank. There were nine types |
| During the Pre-Qing Dynasty (also known as the | | | | of color coded hat knobs that represented the nine |
| Manchu Dynasty was the last ruling dynasty of China | | | | distinctive ranks. Another popular insignia was the |
| from 1644 to 1912.); the prevalent ancient Chinese | | | | Mandarin square or rank badge. |