Chinese Soldiers

Attributed to John Thomson (Scottish, 1837 - 1921)

Dateca . 1870

MediumAlbumen print

DimensionsImage and sheet: 3 7/16 × 2 1/8 inches (8.69 × 5.41 cm)
Mount: 4 1/8 × 2 7/16 inches (10.49 × 6.15 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Hall Family Foundation

Object number2015.67.74

Signednone

InscribedPrinted captions on paper, attached to mount verso, in black type: "Chinese Soldiers. / The only distinction in the dress of the / soldier is the band on the cuff and bottom / of the jacket, and the small colored patch / hanging down the back, which tells un- / der what Banner the individual serves.-- / Soldiers never wear arms accept when on / duty or on guard, and in China no civil- / ian is ever allowed to carry any weapons / offensive or defensive--a striking contrast / to their neighbours the Japanese, whose / formidable swords are cumbersome to the / wearer, and often dangerous to the peace- / ful citizen who is precluded from wear- / ing such apparently senseless badges of / a class."

Markingsnone

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DescriptionHand colored image of Chinese soldier standing with one foot on concrete step while looking back over his left shoulder at the viewer. He head is wrapped in fabric and a colored strip of material hangs from the back of his jacket.

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