Minifigure – Late Qing Dynasty Soldier (Imperial Army / “Braves”) (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: Late Qing Dynasty Soldier (Imperial Army / “Braves”)

This toy minifigure represents a soldier from the Late Qing Dynasty of China (late 19th to early 20th century). It depicts the transitional period in Chinese military history where traditional attire was mixed with imported Western modern firearms.

• Headgear: He wears a traditional Straw Hat (or Bamboo Conical Hat) with a flat brim. Historically, this type of headgear was commonly worn by irregular troops, militia (“Yong”), or regular soldiers in southern China, particularly during the summer months or in the Boxer Rebellion era.

• Uniform: The figure is dressed in a Blue Tunic and Trousers.

  • Chest Design: The upper chest features a Red Patterned Yoke with traditional Chinese Frog Button Fasteners (knot buttons). While many Qing soldiers wore tabards with large characters (kanji) on the chest, this design appears to be a stylized version of the uniform jackets worn by the “New Army” or modernized regional armies (like the Huai Army) during the late 1800s.

  • Colors: The blue uniform with red trim was a common color scheme for various infantry units within the Qing military system.

• Weapon: He is armed with a brown Lever-Action Rifle (resembling a Winchester Model 1873 or 1866).

  • Historical Context: This is a historically significant detail. During the late 19th century, the Qing government imported vast quantities of “modern” Western arms. The Winchester rifle was popular among Chinese troops because of its rapid rate of fire, and it saw extensive use during the Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) and the Boxer Rebellion.

Historical Background: This figure represents a foot soldier from the twilight of the Chinese Empire. During this era, China was undergoing the “Self-Strengthening Movement,” attempting to modernize its military to resist foreign imperialism. Soldiers like this would have fought in conflicts such as the Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion, or the Boxer Rebellion. The mix of a traditional straw hat/tunic with a modern repeating rifle perfectly captures the clash of old traditions and new technology that defined this period in Chinese history.