Nanjing Red Swastika Society Care Worker Second Sino-Japanese War – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

English Title & Specific Name

Figure Title: Nanjing Red Swastika Society Care Worker Second Sino-Japanese War

Historical Era: Second Sino-Japanese War / 1937–1945; Nanjing relief context, 1937–1938

Faction / Military Branch: China / civilian humanitarian relief; Red Swastika Society theme

Detailed Character Identification, Description, and Historical Background

Character Identification

This custom printed brick block figure portrays an unnamed Nanjing care worker in a Red Swastika Society theme. Black clothing and a large red swastika in a pale rectangular chest panel distinguish it from the red-cross-marked companion. The design emphasizes practical care and civilian assistance.

Detailed Character Description

• Headgear & Face: The front views show a rounded black cap with layered band details and reddish-brown weathered-looking accents. The face has dark brows and eyes, a slight smile and reddish-brown printed cheek marks.
• Torso & Emblem: Black clothing has outlined collar and seam printing with tan-brown worn-looking patches. A large red swastika fills a light rectangular chest panel, with a smaller circular blue-and-red design near the collar.
• Rear Printing: The collection rear view shows a large white circular back print containing a dark Chinese character, with worn-looking patches around it. The rear photograph shows black molded hair in place of the front-view cap.
• Legs & Footwear: Black trousers have darker seam and crease printing. Black shoes display pale scuffed-looking toe edges.
• Pictured Headgear: The full figure includes the cap pictured in its front views.

Historical / Thematic Background

The Red Swastika Society care-worker theme recalls Chinese civilian aid during the Nanjing emergency of 1937–1938. The Society cooperated with other relief organizations as people faced displacement and continuing shortages. Its charitable emblem provides the central visual identity of this black-clad figure.

The Society understands the red swastika as a symbol of auspiciousness, virtue and compassion. That Chinese humanitarian tradition gives the large chest panel its meaning in this design. The emblem connects the figure with care and relief work, rather than with a combat role.

A 1938 relief report describes joint food distribution with the Red Swastika Society after investigations of families' needs. The continuing need for fuel, clothing and bedding also appears in the report. These practical necessities provide a wider context for a care worker: supporting daily life could matter just as much as a single emergency intervention.

The worn-looking clothing, empty hands and facial marks give this miniature a working-person appearance within the collection. It can be placed in a civilian aid station, supply area or relief scene to suggest the patient, routine effort involved in looking after others. Paired with the physician and duty officer, the design helps a display express the relationship between medical care, organization and practical support during a difficult period.