A rare painted silk 'Flying Tiger' banner - Circa 1900

The silk banner of golden yellow hue, painted in black, green and gilt, decorated at the centre with a ferocious tiger, its jaws open in a roar, with wings spread, the outstretched legs and claws grasping onto and standing over fire scrolls, all within a square border framed by fire scrolls (faded and stained, some tears). 80.5cm x 79cm (31¾in x 31in). - Estimate: £1,200 - 1,800

Provenance: reputedly taken during the Boxer Rebellion by Jack Henslow of the British forces and thence by descent to the present owner.

The principal basis of the Qing military administration was the Manchu banner system established by Nurhaci (1559-1626), following the Jurchen early 12th century example, comprising eight banners. Flags of similar design to the present lot are illustrated on the sterns and masts of the Kangxi Emperor's flotilla depicted in The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour, Scroll Eleven: Nanjing to Jinshan, Wang Hui (1623-1717) and assistants, 1691-1698, The Palace Museum, Beijing, Gu9208, illustrated at E.S. Rawski and J. Rawson, eds.,China: The Three Emperors 1662-1795, London, pl.13. and pp.388-389. Compare an Imperial flag from the National Maritime Museum, London, dated to circa 1857, No. AAA0559, of a very similar design.

The Boxer Rebellion (November 1899 - September 1901) was an uprising against the increasing foreign influence in China during the epilogue of the Qing Dynasty. During the rebellion, foreigners and Chinese Christians retreated to the legation quarter in Beijing and held out as a multinational coalition raised troops for their rescue. The torn and possibly blood-stained condition of the present flag does indeed suggest that it weathered battle.

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Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2008. New Bond Street