Tiger Uniform
Reproduction
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Object number17270
TitleTiger Uniform
CreatorManchu "Tartar" regiment
DescriptionAt first glance this might look like a tiger-print onesie, but it is in fact an extremely rare and unusual piece of Chinese military uniform! Made from linen painted with black stripes, it comes with a hood complete with ears. It was used by the mysterious Tiger Brigade, part of the Imperial Army’s Green Banner company, and was used during the Second Opium War in the late 1850s.
This tiger uniform was donated to the museum by Colonel John Henry Beath, a surgeon with the Third Buffs regiment in the British Army. He was present at the 3rd Battle of the Taku Forts in 1860, at the height of the Second Opium War.
The Opium Wars arose from China’s attempts to suppress the opium trade and Britain seeking to extend their trading rights there. They were fought between the forces of Western countries (mainly Britain and France) and of the Qing dynasty. On both occasions, the foreign powers were victorious. As a result, new ports were opened up to the West, it became possible to travel within China and the importation of opium was legalised.
Unfortunately, not much is known about the Tiger Brigade. We do know that Chinese people have greatly admired tigers since ancient times. Not just prized for their beauty and majesty, they symbolise power and daring – the king of all beasts. To the ordinary British soldier, what on earth could be more terrifying than a brigade of vicious tigers charging towards you?
Production placeChina Taku Forts
Production period1850's
Object nameMilitary uniform
Materialcotton
Dimensions
whole Length: 1770 mm
hood Length: 565 mm
hood Length: 565 mm