Minifigure – Late Qing Kansu Brave / Gansu Army Soldier (Wuwei Rear Division – Dong Fuxiang’s “Muslim Braves”) (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: Kansu Brave / Gansu Army Soldier (Wuwei Rear Division – Dong Fuxiang’s “Muslim Braves”)

Historically, the unique combination of the Red Turban and red uniform identifies this figure as a member of the Kansu Braves (Gansu Army), a specific unit of the Qing military consisting largely of Chinese Muslims (Hui people) from the western provinces.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure stands out from the other Qing soldiers due to his distinct ethnic and regional military attire:

• Headgear (The Turban): The most defining feature is the Red Turban (Headwrap). Unlike the Manchu officials who wore round caps, the soldiers from Gansu traditionally wore turbans. This headgear made them instantly recognizable (and feared) by Western forces during the Boxer Rebellion.

• Uniform:

  • Color: He wears a striking All-Red Tunic and trousers. While blue was standard for regular infantry, “Braves” (Yong Ying) or special irregular units often wore distinct colors to identify their allegiance or region.

  • Tactical Gear: A heavy Ammunition Bandolier (Bullet Belt) is printed around his waist. This suggests he is a frontline combatant fully equipped for sustained rifle fire.

• Legs: The legs feature detailed printing of Leg Wrappings (Puttees) and cloth shoes, practical for the long marches these soldiers endured from western China to Beijing.

• Weapon: He is armed with a Bolt-Action Rifle (Mauser style), which the Kansu Braves used effectively during the Siege of the Legations.

Historical Background

• The Kansu Braves: Led by the fierce General Dong Fuxiang, this army was transferred to Beijing in 1898 to bolster the capital’s defenses. They were incorporated into the Wuwei Corps as the Rear Division.

• Siege of the Legations (1900): During the Boxer Rebellion, the Kansu Braves were the most aggressive Qing unit attacking the foreign legations. They were feared for their bravery and ferocity in close-quarters combat.

• Western Perception: To the Eight-Nation Alliance forces, these “turbaned soldiers” were considered the elite shock troops of the Chinese army, often fighting alongside the Boxers but with better discipline and modern firearms.