Habit of a Mandarin of War in Chinese Tartary in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

This stunning print, produced by none other than the famous geographer Thomas Jefferys, presents an unusual ethnographic depiction of the military elite of Chinese Tartary in the early years of the 18th century.

Here one sees an image of a Mandarin of War wearing all his finery, demonstrating the interesting blend of the traditions of Manchu warriors and the dignity of Chinese officials. Each element of the Mandarin’s costume, from his distinctive, cone-shaped hat down to his heavy silk garments worn while riding horseback, demonstrates the strict sumptuary laws of the Qing dynasty. Through his famous maps and costume prints, Jefferys gives us not only fashion history but the visual culture of northern imperial elites during their time of great territorial growth.