Late Qing Dynasty Infantry Soldier / Squad Leader (Imperial Chinese Army – “New Army” Era) – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

Character Identification

Specific Name: Late Qing Dynasty Infantry Soldier / Squad Leader (Imperial Chinese Army – “New Army” Era)

This represents a junior officer or soldier of the Great Qing Empire (China) during the late 19th or early 20th century.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure captures the unique Transitional period of Chinese history, mixing traditional Manchu customs with modern military weaponry:

• Headgear & Hairstyle (The Queue):

  • Hat: He wears a traditional black Qing Military Cap with a small button on top.

  • The Queue: The most historically significant feature is visible in the rear view—a long, black Braided Pigtail (Queue) running down his back. During the Qing Dynasty, all Chinese men were required by law to shave their foreheads and wear this braid as a sign of submission to Manchu rule.

• Uniform:

  • Color: He wears a traditional Dark Blue Tunic and trousers, the standard color for Qing infantry (often associated with the “Green Standard Army” or early modernized units).

  • Insignia (Chinese Text): The chest features prominent Red Chinese Characters.

    • On the right: “步右一” (Infantry – Right – First). This likely designates his battalion or division (Right Division, 1st Unit).

    • On the left: “兵前隊” (Soldier – Front – Squad). This identifies him as a member of the Vanguard Squad.

• Weapon: He is armed with a brown Rifle (resembling a Mauser or Hanyang 88). This indicates the figure belongs to the “Self-Strengthening Movement” era (late 1800s), where the Qing army began importing or manufacturing modern western firearms to replace spears and bows.

• Footwear: He wears black cloth shoes with white soles, traditional footwear for Chinese soldiers of that era.

Historical Background

• The Late Qing Era: This figure represents a soldier from the chaotic final years of the Qing Dynasty (approx. 1895–1911). This was the era of the Boxer Rebellion and the founding of the “New Army”.

• The Uniform: While fully modernized “New Army” troops eventually wore Western-style khaki uniforms, many provincial units retained these traditional blue cotton uniforms (Kung Fu style tunics) while using modern rifles.

• The Queue: The presence of the braid dates this figure strictly before the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. After the revolution established the Republic of China, one of the first acts of soldiers and citizens was to cut off these braids to symbolize liberation from the Qing emperors.