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)
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
On View
Not on viewCollections
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.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.