Manchu General

The Manchu were a people who originated from Manchuria. They lived beyond the Great Wall in the north, raiding the Chinese on a regular basis. During a period of civil strife they were allowed into China in 1644 and set up their own Emperor, the first of the Ch'ing, to replace the Ming dynasty. The fortress of Chin-Kiang-Fu was populated by Manchu warriors and their families. This early 19th century engraving shows a wealthy General well protected with heavily padded, and highly decorated clothing. He is well armed for his personal protection.