Minifigure – Late Qing Dynasty Soldier (Imperial Regular with Queue) (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: Late Qing Dynasty Soldier (Imperial Regular with Queue)

This toy minifigure represents a regular foot soldier of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Unlike the previous irregular soldier with the straw hat, this figure depicts a soldier wearing the standard headgear and hairstyle mandated by the Manchu rulers of the Imperial Court.

• Hairstyle (The Queue): The most historically significant feature of this figure is visible in the “Behind” and side views. He sports a long, black Braided Ponytail known as the “Queue” (Bianzi).

  • Historical Context: During the Qing Dynasty, the Manchu government strictly enforced the “Queue Order,” requiring all Han Chinese men to shave the front of their heads and wear the rest of their hair in a long braid as a sign of submission to the Emperor. Cutting the braid was often seen as an act of rebellion.

• Headgear: He wears a black Manchu Cap (Guanmao style) with an upturned brim and a small knob on top. This was a standard style of hat for soldiers and officials, often made of satin or felt.

• Uniform: He wears a traditional Blue Cotton Tunic with long sleeves.

  • Details: The chest print features traditional Frog Buttons (Chinese knot fasteners) running down the center, typical of the “Magua” or jacket style of the era. He also wears a black belt with a rectangular Metal Buckle.

• Weapon: In his hands, he holds a Lever-Action Rifle (resembling a Winchester Model 1873).

  • Significance: Just like the previous figure, the inclusion of this Western firearm places the soldier in the Late 19th Century (approx. 1860–1900). It highlights the period of the “Self-Strengthening Movement,” when the Qing army began importing foreign arms to modernize their forces against internal rebellions and foreign powers.

Historical Background: This figure perfectly encapsulates the image of the Chinese soldier known to the West during the Boxer Rebellion (1900) or the Sino-Japanese War (1894). While they maintained their traditional appearance—the queue hairstyle and cloth tunic—their weaponry had advanced to include imported repeating rifles. This visual contrast symbolizes the Qing Empire’s struggle to maintain its ancient traditions while adopting modern technology to survive in a changing world.