The painting shows the famous battle, which took place on 3. February, 1759 in Qurman ( 呼 爾 滿 hu er man, Huerman, Hu'erman) in the present Chinese province of Xinjiang ( 新 疆 ). It ended in a glorious victory of the Chinese troops under General Fude (1a6) and Machang (1a25).

Until this battle the province Xinjiang was not under permanent Chinese control. First the Dsungars controlled this area but in the years between 1755 to 1757 they were almost eliminated due to victorious Chinese campaigns (the »Battles of Yili«).

Soon Muslim Turkmens made an uprising against the Chinese. To put down the uprising the Chinese General Zhaohui (1a2) lead an army to the area where he was closed in by superior Turkmen forces near the city of Yarkand ( 叶 尔 羌 , 葉 爾 羌 ) by the river Kara Usu ( 黑 水 河, translated »Black Water River«).

General Zhaohui send five messengers to other Chinese troops in the area for help. As a result several relief armies under command of among others the officers Fude, Machang, Agui (1a17), Shuhede (1a13), Aligun (1a14), Zhanyinbao (1b14), Namjal (1a4), Yan Xiangshi (1b7), Isamu (1b28), Dou Bin (1a21) and Duan-ji-bu (1a23) set off to rescue General Zhaohui.

The relief army under the lead of officer Fude and Machang was the one who fought the Battle of Qurman on February 3, 1759. All of a sudden the 600 Chinese soldiers were attacked by over 5,000 enemy cavalryman. The Chinese soldiers did not only fight back the attack but also rescued General Zhaohui from the siege. As a result the Chinese army could within a short period of time conquer the whole region and bring it under permanent control of the Chinese motherland.

In 1760 emperor Qianlong ordered to paint 100 portraits of the most meritorious officers of the East Turkestan campaign (see List of Officers, 1a1-1a50 and 1b1-1b50). In the following years another 180 portraits were painted from other campaigns, so altogether there were 280 meritorious officers portraits.

From the East Turkestan campaign emperor Qianlong also ordered the painting of 16 large scale battle paintings (8 meters wide and 4 meters high) in a coproduction of Chinese court painters and European Jesuit monks, a.o. Jean Denis Attiret ( 王 致 誠 wang zhi cheng) and Giuseppe Castiglione ( 郎 世 寧 lang shi ning ). The names of the sixteen paintings / copperprints known as "Les Conquetes de L'Empereur de la Chine" are (Qurman = Nr. 8):

1. Receiving the surrender of the Ili
    On reçoit la soumission de l´Ili 平 定 伊 犁 受 降

2. Storming of the Camp at Gädän-Ola
    On force le camp [établi] à Gädän-ola 格 登 鄂 拉 斫 營

3. The Battle of Oroi-jalatu
    La combat d´Oroi-jalatu 鄂 壘 扎 拉 圖 之 戰
    The Ethnological Museum of Berlin owns this copper plate from Paris (1770)

4. The Victory of Khorgos
    La victoire de Khorgos 和 落 霍 澌 之 捷

5. The Battle of Khurungui
    Le combat de Khurungui 庫 隴 癸 之 戰

6. The Chief of Us (Turfan) Surrenders with His City
    Le chef d´Us[-Turfan] se soumet avec sa ville 烏 什 酋 長 献 城 降

7. Lifting of the Siege at the Black Water River
    La levée du siège de la Rivière Noire 黑 水 圍 解

8. The Battle of Qurman (or The Great Victory of Qurman)
    La Grande Victoire de Qurman 呼 爾 满 大 捷

9. The Battle of Tonguzluq
    Le combat de Tonguzluq 通 古 思 魯 克 之 戰
    The Ethnological Museum of Berlin owns this copper plate from Paris (1770)

10. The Battle of Qos-qulaq
     Le combat de Qos-qulaq 霍 斯 庫 魯 克 之 戰

11. The Battle of Arcul
     Le combat d´Arcul 阿 爾 楚 爾 之 戰

12. The Battle of Yesil-köl-nor
     Le combat du Yesil-köl-nor 伊 西 洱 庫 爾 淖 爾 之 戰

13. The Chef of Badakhsan Asks to Surrender
     Le khan du Badakhsan demande à se soumettre 巴 達 克 山 汗 納 欺

14. The Emperor is Presented with Prisoners from the Pacification of the      Muslim Tribes
     On offre [à l´Empereur] les prisionniers [faitslors] de la pacification des tribes      musulmanes 平 定 回 部 献 俘

15. The Emperor in the Suburbs Personally Receives News of the Officers      and Soldiers Distinguished in the Campaign against the Muslim Tribes
     [L´Empereur se ren] dans la banlieue pour prendre [personellement] des      nouvelles des officiers et soldates qui se sont distingués dans la campagne contre      les tribus musulmanes 郊 勞 回 部 成 功 諸 將 士
     The Ethnological Museum of Berlin owns this copper plate from Paris (1770)

16. A Victory Banquet Given by the Emperor for the Distinguished Officers
     and Soldiers
     [L´Empereur] offre un banquet de victoire aux officiers et soldates qui se sont      distingués 凱 宴 戰 功 諸 將 士


These 16 prints were shown in an exhibition in the Louvre (Paris) from February 12 to May 18, 2009 : Prints of Ideal China - When the Emperor Qianlong commissioned prints from Louis XV (pdf) with catalogue (pdf).

(more information on these 16 prints in Michèle Pirazzoli-T'Serstevens, see Literature).

Prints of copper engravings of the East Turkestan campaign were auctioned in:


This is an updated and expanded list of Leverenz, Drawings, Proofs and Prints from the Qianlong Emperor's East Turkestan Copperplate Engravings, Arts Asiatiques, 2013, pp. 39-60 (academia.edu download).


1779
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Joseph-Marie Terray, ministre d'Etat, sold at Chariot Joullain, Paris, 20 January 1779, lot 41 (pdf),

1782
Paris Prints:
- 2 sets (one set bound in leather and one set of single sheets along with the first proofs): Marquis de Marigny, sold at Basan Joullain, Paris, 18 March 1782, lot 498 and 499 (pdf),

1783
Paris Prints:
- 3 finished + 10 etchings: Jacques-Philippe Le Bas, sold at Clousier Joullain, Paris, December 1783, lot 70 and 445 (pdf),

1786
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Regnault Delalande, Paris, 11 March 1786, lot 507 (pdf),

1787
Paris Prints:
Helman:
- Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 12 February 1787, lot 308 (pdf),

1788
Paris Prints:
Sale Aliamet, 12 January 1788, (Lugt 4360): we were not able to find a copy of this auction catalogue,
Helman:

1789
Paris Prints:
Helman:
- Du Mee v. Daalen Wetters, The Hague, 1789, lot 1087 (pdf),

1790
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Charles-Nicolas Cochin, sold at Regnault Delalande, Paris, 21/24/28 June 1790, lot 146 (pdf),

1791
Paris Prints:
- complete set + manuscript: Antoine Marie Pâris d’Illins, sold at London: Edwards; Paris: Laurent, London, 28 March 1791, lot supplement 4 (pdf) and lot supplement 634 (pdf),

1792
Paris Prints:
- 1 print: Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 7 May 1792, lot 73 (pdf),

1793
Paris Prints:
- 12 prints (finished and etchings): Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 14 February 1793, lot 59 (pdf),
- min. 5 prints (finished and many etchings): Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 30 September 1793, lot 164 + 231 (pdf),

1794
Paris Prints:
- singel prints: Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 16 August 1794, lot 33 (pdf),
Helman:
Weigel, Leipzig, 20 January 1794, lot 1807/5432 (pdf),

1795
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints: Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 15 March 1795, lot 231 (pdf),
- complete set: Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 11 May 1795, Lugt no. 5310, lot 144 (pdf),
- complete set: Regnault, Paris, 11 September 1795, lot 119 (pdf),
- complete set: Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 18 December 1795, Lugt no. 5391, lot 164 (pdf),
Helman:
- 12 prints: Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 18 December 1795, Lugt no. 5391, lot 165 (pdf),

1796
Paris Prints:
- 3 prints: Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 1 August 1796, lot 193 (pdf),

1797
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Paillet Baudouin, Paris, 21 August / 7 September 1797, lot 85 (pdf),
Helman:
Regnault, Parus, 27 January 1797, lot 121 (pdf),

1798
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Hüe De Miromesnil, sold at Brunet, Paris, 15 January 1798, lot 495 (pdf),
- complete set: Duc de Richelieu, sold at Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 18 December 1798, lot 207 (pdf),
Helman:
Regnault, 1798, lot 237 (pdf),

1801
Paris Prints:
- complete set: sale Tolosan. We were not able to find the auction catalogue,
Helman:

1804
Paris Prints:
- complete set: de Cotte, sold at de Bure, Paris, 11 April 1804, lot 1804 (pdf),
Helman:
Amsterdam, 1804, Omslag IV no 1 (pdf),
Paris, 11 April 1804, lot 1805 (pdf),

1807
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Bermann, Vienna, 20 July 1807, Lugt no. 7287(2), lot 4063 (pdf),

1808
Paris Prints:
- complete set finished + complete set etchings: Oevre Saint Aubin, Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 1808, Lugt no. 7372, lot 81+82 (+ 2 prints lot 186 or 187) (pdf),

1809
Paris Prints:
- 12 prints + 36 unfinished + 20 etchings: Oevre Choffard, Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 1809, Lugt no. 7633, lot 33 (pdf),
- 15 prints: Cabinet de Prevost, Regnault-Delalande, Paris 1809, Lugt no. 7685, lot 71 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- 49 Helman prints and others, Regnault-Delalande, Paris, 1809, Lugt no. 7633, lot 49 (pdf),

1816
Paris Prints:
Helman:
Regnauld, Paris, 1816, lot 133 (pdf),

1822
Paris Prints:
Helman:
de Vries, Amsterdam, 1824, lot 87 (pdf),

1824
Paris Prints:
Helman:
de Vries, Amsterdam, 1824, lot 16 (pdf),

1828
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Artaria, Vienna, 1828, Lugt no. 11632, lot 2231 (pdf),
Helman:
Harzen, Hamburg, 1828, lot 1166 (pdf),

1831
Paris Prints:
Helman:
Duchesne, Paris, 1831 , lot 205 (pdf),

1838
Paris Prints:
Helman:
Artaria, Vienna, 1838, lot 82 (pdf),

1843
Paris Prints:
Helman:
Radink, Amsterdam, 1843, lot 47 (pdf),

1844
Paris Prints:
Sieber, Dresden, 1844, lot 1253-67 (pdf),
Helman:
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
Sieber, Dresden, 1844, lot 1268-75 (pdf),

1850
Paris Prints:
Helman:
Radink, Amsterdam, 1850, lot 82 (pdf),

1856
Paris Prints:
Helman:
Van Baalen, Rotterdam, 1856, lot 8 (pdf),

1861
Paris Prints:
- complete set + 14 etchings: Clément, Paris, 1861, Lugt no. 25965, lot 78 (pdf),
Helman:
Anneet, Brussels, 1861, lot 1659 (pdf),

1870
- complete set: Jombert, Paris, 1870, Lugt no. 1878a, lot 316 (pdf),

1880
Paris Prints:
Helman:
The Hague, 1880, lot 282 (pdf),

1882
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints: Boulland Menu, Paris, 1882, lot 460 (pdf),
Helman:
Nijhoff, The Hague, 1882, lot 468 (pdf),

1893
Paris Prints:
Helman:
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
Bom, Amsterdam, 1893, lot 664 (pdf),

1901
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
Kende, Vienna, lot 2380 (pdf),


1904
Paris Prints:
- 53 prints: Drouot, Paris, 28 March - 1 April 1904 (Collection Charles Gillot), lot 2321 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1908
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
Versteigerungsamt, 1908, Nr. 351 (pdf),


1914
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
Manuscript Precis Historique:
Exhibition of the Stroganoff collection in St. Petersburg (pdf),


1929
Paris Prints:
- Complete Set: Hiersemann, Leipzig, Katalog 591, März 1929, Nr. 355 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
Perl, 18 April 1929, Nr. 110 (pdf),


1930
Paris Prints:
- 15 prints: Lepke, Berlin, 4/5 March 1930, lot 439 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1931
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Georg, Lausanne, 1931, no. 166 (pdf),
- 16 prints: Boerner, Leipzig, 27/28 April 1931, lot 505 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1932
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Graupe, Berlin, 15 February 1932, lot 281 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1935
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
Gilhofer-Ranschburg, Vienna, 1935, no. 95 (pdf),


1936
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
Karl & Faber, Munich, 24./26. November 1936, Lot. 392 (pdf),


1939
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
Gilhofer-Ranschburg, Vienna, 1939, Nr. 95 (pdf),
Gilhofer-Ranschburg, Vienna, 1939, Nr. 72 (pdf),


1943
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints: Urban auction, Hannover, January 1943,
Helman Prints:

1952
Paris Prints:
- 14 prints: Ader/Rheims, Paris, 7 May 1952, lot 105 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1958?
- complete set: Martin Breslauer, London, 1958, lot 105 (pdf),

1962
- complete set: Martin Breslauer, London, 1962, lot 70 (pdf),

1976
Paris Prints:
- 8 prints: Sotheby's, London, 12 May 1976, lot 382 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1977
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- Sotheby's, London, 19 January 1977, lot 394/395 (pdf),

1978
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- Sotheby Parke Bernet, Hong Kong, 4 December 1978, lot 149 (pdf ebay),

1982
Paris Prints:
- 9 prints: Christies's, London, 5 July 1982, lot 322 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1984
Paris Prints:
- 3/3 prints: Christie's, New York, 23 February 1984, lot 30/31 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1985
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- Christies's, London, 10 July 1985, lot 77 (pdf),

1986
Paris Prints:
- complete set (+18) (now UaA): Sotheby's, NY, 10/11 April 1986, lot 71 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Christies's, London, 21 April 1986, lot 274 (pdf),

1987
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Sotheby's, Monaco, 22 June 1987, lot 1454 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1988
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Ader/Picard/Tajan, Paris, 29 February 1988, lot 594 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1992
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- unknown (artnet.com), October 27, 1992 (pdf),


1995
Paris Prints:
- 3 prints (col.): Sloan's, North Bethesda, 17/19 March 1995, lot 2286 (pdf),
- 13 prints: Sotheby's, New York, 22 March 1995, lot 339 (pdf),
- 3 prints (+3): Sotheby's, London, 6 June 1995, lot 145 (pdf),
- 2 prints (col.): Christie's, New York, 21 September 1995, lot 508/509 (pdf),
- complete set (now GRI): Sotheby's, London, 7/8 Dec 1995, lot 127 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1996
Paris Prints:
- 15 prints: Tajan, Paris, 29 May 1996, lot 202 (pdf),
- complete set: Christie's, London, 30 October 1996, lot 32 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

1997
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Christie's, New York, 20/21 March 1997, lot 286 (pdf),
- 14 prints: Christie's, London, 7 April 1997, 137 (pdf),
- Rebouel Set: Bonhams Glerum, Singapore, 4 October 1997, 194 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Picard Audap Solanet & Associés, Paris, 5 March 1997, lot 161 (pdf artprice),

1999
Paris Prints:
- 11 prints: Sotheby's, NY, 22/23 March 1999, lot 424 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

2000
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Eliane Madec, Fecamp, 2 April 2000, lot 79 (pdf),
- 14 prints: Christie's, New York, 21 March 2000, lot 80 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Christie's, Hong Kong, 30 April 2000, lot 515 (pdf),
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
- PBA Galleries, San Francisco, 16 March 2000, lot 315 (pdf),

2001
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- PIASA auction house, Paris, 6 November 2001, lot 51 (pdf artprice),

2002
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Tajan, Paris, 28 June 2002, lot 65 (pdf),
Helman Prints:

2003
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- Christie's, Paris, 19 November 2003, lot 298 (pdf),

2004
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- Christie's, London, 23 September 2004, lot 18 (pdf),

2005
Paris Prints:
- 1 print (col.): Eldred's, MA US, 12 August 2005, lot 743 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Christie's, London, 15 July 2005, lot 237 (pdf),
- Christie's, London, 15 July 2005, lot 239 (pdf),
- Christie's, Paris, 22 November 2005, lot 153 (pdf),

2006
Paris Prints:
- 3 prints: Christie's, London, 10 May 2006, lot 107 (pdf),
- 3 prints (w.p.): Christie's, London, 10 May 2006, lot 108 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Christie's, London, 10 May 2006, lot 106 (pdf),
- Christie's, New York, 19 Sept 2006, lot 93 (pdf),

2007
Paris Prints:
- 5 prints: Delvaux, Paris, 25 April 2007, lot 240 (pdf),
- 1 print (w.p.): Bonhams, SF, 18 December 2007, lot 4406 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Sotheby's, Paris, 14 June 2007, lot 181 (pdf)

2008
Paris Prints:
- 11 prints: Christie's, London, 5 June 2008, lot 170 (pdf)
Helman Prints:

2009
Paris Prints:
- complete set (+18): Sotheby's, NY, 17 March 2009, lot 72 (pdf),
- 1 print: Christie's, Amsterdam, 1 July 2009, lot 120 (pdf),
- 1 print: Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, 30. Sept. 2009, lot 59 (pdf),
- 4 prints: Sotheby's, Paris, 10 November 2009, lot 313 (pdf),
- 2 prints: Christie's, Paris, 21 December 2009, lot 359 (pdf),
- 2 prints: Christie's, Paris, 21 December 2009, lot 360 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
- Richter&Kafitz, Bamberg, 21 March 2009, lot 320 (pdf), (jpg),

- Michaans Auctions, CA US, 7 June 2009, lot 1226 (pdf),

2010
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints: Sotheby's, New York, 23 March 2010, lot 91 (pdf),
- 1 print: Koller, Zürich, 18 September 2010, lot 293 (pdf),
- 1 print: Bonhams, Oxford, 30 November 2010, lot 659 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- 3 prints: Historia, Berlin, 24 September 2010, lot 1656 (pdf),
- Bloomsbury Auctions, New York, 13 October 2010, lot 144 (pdf),
- Christie's, Paris, 9 November 2010, lot 42 (pdf),
- Freeman's Auction, PA US, 7 December 2010, lot 510 (pdf).

2011
Paris Prints:
- 15 prints: Nagel, Stuttgart, 6 May 2011, lot 277 (pdf),
- 1 print: Aguttes, Paris, 7 November 2011, lot 281 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Sotheby's, Paris, 9 June 2011, lot 158 (pdf),
- Nagel, Stuttgart, 4 November 2011, lot 30 (pdf),
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
- Kiefer, Pforzheim, 17 June 2011, lot 4160 (pdf),

2012
Paris Prints:
- complete set: Christies, Paris, 29 October 2012, lot 41 (pdf),
- 2 prints: Sotheby's, Paris, 18 December 2012, lot 172 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- PBA Auctions, Paris, 3 March 2012, lot 81 (pdf),
- Boisgirard, Nice, 15 May 2001, lot 1 (pdf artprice),
- Tajan, Paris, 11 June 2012, lot 391 (pdf),
- Koller, Zürich, 30/31 October 2012, lot 415 (pdf),
- Castor-Hara, Paris, 20 November 2012, lot 131 (pdf),

- Koller, Zürich, 8 May 2012, lot 1193 (pdf),

2013
Paris Prints:
- 5 prints: Alcata Auction, Madrid, 27 Feb 2013, lot 7-11 (pdf),
- complete set (w.p.): Artcurial, Paris, 11 June 2013, lot 82 (pdf),
- Sotheby's, Paris, 12 June 2013, lot 177 (pdf),
- Duoyunxuan, China, 8 July 2013, lot 2172 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Bloomsbury Auctions, London, 31 January 2013, lot 309 (pdf),
- Nagel, Stuttgart, 30 October 2013, lot 532 (pdf artprice),

- ZGSD, China, 16 November 2013, lot 1311-0635 (pdf).

2014
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints: Sotheby's, Paris, 10 June 2014, lot 254 (pdf),
- 1 print (col.): Chorley's, Gloucester UK, 27 November 2014, lot 1130 (pdf),
- 1 print: Artcurial, Paris, 8 December 2014, lot 26 (pdf),
- 3 prints: Poly Auction, Beijing, 3 December 2014, lot 2379 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Sotheby's, Paris, 10 June 2014, lot 129 (pdf),
- Sotheby's, New York, 16/17 Sept 2014, lot 210 (pdf),
- Henri Godts, Bruxelles, 14 octobre 2014, lot 155 (pdf), (jpg),
- Spik, Berlin, 6 December 2014, lot 1916 (pdf),
- Artcurial, Paris, 8 December 2014, lot 137 (pdf artprice),
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
- Göteborgs Auktionsverk, 28 Oktober 2014, lot 196288 (pdf), (jpg),

- Bonhamn's, Hong Kong, 25 May 2014, lot 1225 (pdf),
- Hosane, Shanghai, 20 July 2014, lot 5476 (pdf), (jpg),


2015
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints (col.): Sotheby's, New York, 17/18 March 2015, lot 224 (pdf),
- 1 print (col.): Grogan, Boston, 22 March 2015, lot 280 (pdf),
- 1 print (col.): Waddingtons, Toronto, 30 November 2015, lot 100 (pdf),
- 1 print: PBA Auctions, Paris, 25 November 2015, lot 1 (pdf), (jpg),
- 1 print: Baron Ribeyre, Paris, 14 December 2015, lot 7,
- 1 print: Darabanth Auctions, Budapest, 24 December 2015, lot 11000 (pdf),
- 1 print: Darabanth Auctions, Budapest, 24 December 2015, lot 11001 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Conan, Lyon, 31 January 2015, lot 138 (pdf),
- Laperraudiere, Paris, 25 February 2015, lot 116 (pdf),
- Sotheby's, London, 30 April 2015, lot 244 (pdf),
- Audap & Mirabaud, Paris, 2 June 2015, lot 81 (pdf),
- Koller, Zürich, 2/3 June 2015, lot 317 (pdf),
- Tajan, Paris, 8 June 2015, lot 292 (pdf),
- Uppsala Auktionskammare, 12 June 2015, lot 929 (pdf), (jpg1),
- Pescheteau-Badin, Paris, 13 June 2015, lot 5 (pdf),
- Sotheby's, London, 17 November 2015, lot 167 (pdf),
- Potomack, Alexandria VA US, 21 November 2015, lot 200 (pdf),
- Leclere, Marseille, 27 Novembre 2015, lot 186 (pdf),
- Waddingtons, Toronto, 30 November 2015, lot 101 (pdf),
- Van Ham, Köln, 3 December 2015, lot 2600 (pdf),


- Massol Auction, Paris, 10 June 2015, lot 194 (pdf),


2016
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints: Sotheby's, New York, 16 March 2016, lot 333 (pdf),
- 1 print: Darabanth Auctions, Budapest, 30 April 2016, lot 11006 (pdf),
- 2 prints: Cambi Casa Auction, Milano, 25 May 2016, lot 292 (pdf),
- Primardeco, Toulouse, 17 June 2016, lot 23 (pdf),
- Marambat & Malafosse, Toulouse, 30 June 2016, lot 150 (pdf),
- 2 prints (col.): Christie's, London, 9 November 2016, lot 394 (pdf),
- 2 prints (col.): Bunch Auctions, PA US, 13 December 2016, lot 10442 (pdf),
- 1 print: Darabanth Auctions, Budapest, 24 December 2015, lot 11007 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Richter & Kafitz, Bamberg, 19 March 2016, lot AS10000 (pdf),
- Christie's, New York, 5 April 2016, lot 234 (pdf),
- Beaussant Lefèvre, Paris, 8 April 2016, lot 182 (pdf lotserach),
- Ka-mondo Auction, Paris, 20 April 2016, lot 131 (pdf),
- Christie's, Paris, 22 April 2016, lot 39 (pdf),
- China Guardian, Beijing, 1 May 2016, lot 2163 (pdf),
- Tajan, Paris, 7 June 2016, lot 80 (pdf),
- Ader, Paris, 10 June 2016, lot 148 (pdf),
- Christie's, Paris, 21/22 June 2016, lot 327 (pdf),
- Sotheby's, London, 7 November 2016, lot 242 (pdf),
- Stahl Auction, Hamburg, 26 November 2016, lot 1 (pdf),
- Gros & Delettrez, Paris, 13 December 2016, lot 268 (pdf),
- Sotheby's, Paris, 15 December 2016, lot 182 (pdf),
Manuscript Precis Historique:
- Christies's, New York, 5 April 2016, lot 237 (pdf),


2017
Paris Prints:
- Shapero Rare Books, 2017, (pdf),
- 2 prints: Morphy, Las Vegas, 9/10 February 2017, lot 1555 (pdf),
- 2 prints (col.): Sothebys, New York, 13 September 2017, lot 171 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Arder Galleries, New York, 25 March 2017, lot 174 (pdf),
- Sotheby's, London, 10 May 2017, lot 262 (pdf),
- Arder Galleries, New York, 24 May 2017, lot 190 (pdf),
- Potomack, Alexandria VA US, 10 June 2017, lot 67 (pdf),
- Wilkens, Toronto, 14 June 2017, lot 2187 (pdf), (jpg1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9),
- Waddingtons, Canada, 4 December 2017, lot 88+89 (pdf),
- Leclere, Marseille, 16 December 2017, lot 228 (pdf),
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
- Dorotheum, Salzburg , 16 November 2017, lot 821 (pdf), (jpg),

- Sotheby's, New York, 18 March 2017, lot 1500 (pdf),

2018
Paris Prints:
- 2 prints: Dorotheum, Vienna, 27 March 2018, lot 88 (pdf),
- 1 print: Dorotheum, Vienna, 4 April 2018, lot 219 (pdf), (jpg1, 2),
- Sothebys, London, 16 May 2018, lot 56 (pdf),
- Artcurial, Paris, 11 June 2018, lot 129 (pdf),
- CVB, Dijon, 22. September 2018, lot 50 (pdf),
- 3 prints: Sothebys, New York, 15 September 2018, lot 1265 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Caudron, Paris, 16 March 2018, lot 65 (pdf),
- Christies's, London, 15 May 2018, lot 113 (pdf),
- Pescheteau-Badin, Paris, 11 June 2018, lot 1 (pdf),
- China Guardian, Beijing, 11 June 2018, lot 2339 (pdf),
- O'Gallerie, Portland/USA , 9/10 July 2018, lot 0414 (pdf),
Augsburg Prints (Academie Imperiale):
- Van de Wiele Auctions, Brugge, 15/16 March 2018, lot 134 (pdf), (jpg),

2019
Paris Prints:
- Sungari auction, Beijing, 7 June 2019, lot 0939 (pdf), (jpg),
- 1 print: Artcurial, Paris, 10 June 2019, lot 137 (pdf), (jpg1), (jpg2), (jpg3), (jpg4), (jpg5), (jpg6), (jpg7), (jpg8)
Helman Prints:
- Piguet, Geneva, 21 May 2019, lot 46 (pdf),
- Sungari auction, Beijing, 7 June 2019, lot 0942 (pdf), (jpg),
- Sungari auction, Beijing, 7 June 2019, lot 0943 (pdf), (jpg),
- Forum Auctions, London, 21 November 2019, lot 536 (pdf),
- Sothebys, Hong Kong, 28 November 2019, lot 659 (pdf),
- Boisgirard-Antonini, Paris, 9 December 2019, lot 42 (pdf),

2020
Paris Prints:
- Sothebys, Hong Kong, 9 October 2020, lot 3618 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Caudron, Paris, 24 January 2020, lot 25 (pdf),
- Tokyo Book Fair, 20 March 2020, Booth No. 12 (pdf),
- Caudron, Paris, 14 December 2020, lot 14 (pdf),

2021
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- Caudron, Paris, 9 February 2021, lot 14 (pdf),
- Taijan, Paris, 7 June 2021, lot 14 (pdf),
- Briscadieu, Bordeaux, 27 Mars 2021, lot 86 (pdf),
- A&O Auctions, Atlanta, 18 July 2021, lot 267 (pdf),
- Millon, Paris, 16 September 2021, lot 221 (pdf),
- Audap, Paris, 19 October 2021, lot 21 (pdf),
- Millon, Paris, 09 December 2021, lot 68 (pdf),

2022
Paris Prints:
- Sothebys, Hong Kong, 29 April 2022, lot 3674 (pdf),
- Aguttes, Paris, 16 November 2022, lot 67 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Yann Baratoux, Bordeaux, 10 January 2022, lot 187 (pdf),
- Briscadieu, Bordeaux, 31 March 2022, lot 136 (pdf),
- Morand & Morand, Paris, 28 April 2022, lot 1 (pdf),
- Unknown, 28 May 2022, lot 426 (pdf),
- Drouot, Monte Carlo, 2 July 2022, lot 19 (pdf),
- Rushbrooks Auctioneers, Winchester, 28 October 2022, lot 2542965 (pdf),
- Kendiza, Hamburg, 20 November 2022, lot 961 (pdf),
- Pandolfini, Florence, 20 December 2022, lot 264 (pdf),

- Veritas Art Auctioneers, Lisbonne , 30 October 2022, lot 173 (pdf),

2023
Paris Prints:
- 1 print: Castor Hara, Paris, 27 March 2023, lot 215 (pdf),
- Full Set: Christie's, online, 7 July 2023, lot 38 (pdf),
- Full Set: Christie's, Paris, 22 November 2023, lot 52 (pdf),
Helman Prints:
- Arenberg Auctions, Bruxelles, 8 January 2023, lot 414 (pdf),
- Lawrences Auctioneers, England, 16 March 2023, lot 120 (pdf),
- Ethereal Auctioneers, Taibei, 25 June 2023, lot 353 (pdf),
- Emeraude Encheres, Saint-Malo, 22 July 2023, lot 236 (pdf),
- Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen, 25 November 2023, lot 2348/61 and lot 2348/133 (pdf),
- Bonhams, Paris, 13 December 2023, lot 90 (pdf),
- Marcopolo Asian Art, Milano, 14 December 2023, lot 277 (pdf),

2024
Paris Prints:
Helman Prints:
- Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen, 8 January 2024, lot 2402/85 (pdf),
- Jeschke Jádi Auctions, Berlin, 20 January 2024, lot 176 (pdf),
- Gros & Delettrez, Paris, 31 January 2024, lot 94 (pdf),


Please note that many of the auctioned prints are from the later series by Isidore-Stanislas HELMAN who engraved a new series of prints in half the size of the originals for sale to the public in 1783-1785 under the name "Suite des seize Estampes représentant les Conquêtes de l'Empereur de la Chine".


These paintings from the East Turkestan campaign hung in the Hall of Purple Lights ( 紫 光 阁 zi guang ge, sometimes also referred to as the Hall of Purple Light, Hall of Purple Splendour, Hall of Purple Glory, Purple Light Pavilion, Pavilion of Purple Radiance or Purple Effulgence Pavilion / in German: Halle des Purpurglanzes, Halle des Purpurlichtes, Halle des Purpurlichts). In the following years after 1760 more battle copper engravings were added but they were purely Chinese productions without the historically very interesting elements of the Chinese – European coproduction.

Emperor Qianlong liked the 16 battle paintings from the East Turkestan campaign so much that he ordered to make smaller versions from them. Theses were sent to Paris around 1770 where copper engravings were made. 200 copies from these copper engravings were send back to China and a few extra copies were made for Europeans. Some of the copper plates happened to come the Ethnological Museum of Berlin where they are considered to be extraordinary treasures.

During the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 the German Generalfeldmarschall von Waldersee had the command over the Allied Troops (八国联军). His headquarter was in the Winter Palace, next to the Hall of Purple Lights. Precious artefacts were available on markets all over the Beijing at that time.

In the years after 1902 several meritorious officer portraits from the Hall of Purple Lights came on the German and international art market. The Ethnological Museum of Berlin bought a lot of them and has with 17 portraits (including Dörbed - Series) the worldwide largest collection. The Asian Art Museum of Berlin owns 6 portraits, the Ethnological Museum of Munich and the Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst in Köln and the Metropoliten Museum of Art in New York owns 1 portrait. For more information see List of Officers.

The Ethnological Museum of Hamburg bought its fragment from the right side of painting Battle of Qurman in 1904. Except for this one fragment all the 16 battle paintings were entirely lost, we only know from the prints of the copper plates how the paintings looked like.

The fragment of the left side of the painting "The Battle of Qurman" / "The Great Victory at Qurman" was auctioned on 8. October 2013 at Sotheby's HK, lot 3073 (pdf);


Emperor Qianlong himself regarded his "Ten Great Campaigns" (十 全 武 功) to be one of his biggest successes in life. The "Ten Great Campaigns" are:
1. First Jinchuan Campaign 1747-1749
2. First Dsungaren Campaign 1755
3. Second Dsungaren Campaign 1756-1757
4. East Turkestan Campaign1758-1759
5. Burma Campaign1766-1770
6. Second Jinchuan Campaign (Goldstreamland) 1771-1776
7. Taiwan (Formosa) Campaign1787-1788
8. Annam (Vietnam) Campaign 788-1789
9.+10. Two Campaigns against the Gurkhas 1790-1792

Not from all of these campaigns battle copper engravings do exist. On the other hand some internal struggles were added. Today we know of eight series of battle copper engravings:
1. East Turkestan Campaign 1755 - 1759
2. The Jinchuan Campaign 1771-1776
3. Campaign against Taiwan 1787-1788
4. Gurkha Campain (Nepal) 1792 – 1793
5. Campaign against Annam (Vietnam) 1788 - 1789
6. Campaign against Miao (Hunan) 1795
7. Chong Miao Feldzug (Yunnan) 1795
8. Second East Turkestan Campaign 1828

(9. The Taiping Rebellion "Yue Bandits" 1850 - 1864)
(10. The Nian Rebellion 1853 - 1868)
(11. The Muslim Rebellion Yunnan and Guizhou 1855–1873)
(12. The Muslim Rebellion Shaanxi, Gansu and Xinjiang 1862 – 1877)
(13. Huimin Muslim Battle 1784)

Futher important scrolls:

Four scrolls "The Grand Review", 乾 隆 大 阅 图, from around 1747-1748:
Scroll 1 "The Emperor Approaching the Army Base" / "His Majesty proceeds to the
            Camp", 幸 营, present whereabout unknown
Scroll 2 "The Troops in Formation" / "The troops line up", 列 阵, Palace Museum,
            Beijing (pdf)
Scroll 3 "Reviewing the Troops" 阅 阵, Sotheby's HK October 8, 2008, lot 2102 (pdf),                 before that sold at Christie's HK on October 30, 2001, lot 651 (pdf)
Scroll 4 "Marching the Troops" / "Manoeuvre" 行 阵, sold at Saint-Aubin in Toulouse,
            France, on 26 March 2011 (pdf)

and from around 1748: "First announcement of Victory in Pacifying Jinchuan"
Scroll 1 "Sacrifice to the Banner and Mandating the Troops", sold at Christie´s NY,
           1 December 1993, lot 237 (pdf)
Scroll 2 "The Imperial Farewell Banquet at Chang'an", sold at Christie's NY,
           1 December 1993, lot 237 (pdf)
Scroll 3 "The Surrender and the Announcement of Victory"
Scroll 4 "Victory Banquet at the West Garden", Sothebys Paris on November 22, 2005,               Lot 146 (pdf); more information in Nancy Berliners article, see Literature.
            Exhibited in the Peabody Essex Museum, (pdf).





1.   平定准噶尔回部得胜图
      East Turkestan Campaign 1755 - 1759


1.0



1.1   平定伊犁受降
        Receiving the surrender of the Ili
        Die Entgegennahme der Unterwerfung von Ili
        = HELMAN 8 "FOU-TE Lieutenant de TCHAO-HOEI poursuit AMOUR-SANA et ..."





1.2   格登鄂拉斫营
        Storming of the Camp at Gädän-Ola
        Der Sturm auf das Camp von Gädän-Ola
        = HELMAN 5 "TSERENG et YU-PAO ayant eu peu d'union entre-eux et leur ..."


Please observe the handscroll from 1755 on this subject by Qian Weicheng 平定准噶尔图 (Views of Military Camps on the Zunghar Campaign) in the National Museum of China, 41 x 808 cm (pdf)




1.3   鄂垒扎拉图之战
        The Battle of Oroi-jalatu
        Die Schlacht von Oroi-jalatu
        = HELMAN 9 "Après la retraite d'AMOUR-SANA chez les Russes, l'Empereur ..."

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31770 (ID 32526)
Bilder für die Halle des Purpurglanzes, Exhibition Berlin 2003, p. 56-57


1.4   和落霍撕之捷
        The Victory of Khorgos
        Der Sieg von Khorgos
        = HELMAN 14 "Bataille d'ALTCHOUR gagnée par FOU-TE contre les deux ..."

Literature
Model drawing in the TENRI UNIVERSITY collection, Japan (formerly Prof. Kuroda Genji).
see Arts Asiatique, 2013, p.41 and p.49.


1.5   库陇霍之战
        The Battle of Khurungui
        Die Schlacht von Khurungui
        = HELMAN 2 "PAN-TI envoyé par l'Empereur pour installer AMOUR-SANA et ..."



1.6   乌什酋长献城降
        The Leader of Us (Turfan) Surrenders with His City
        Der Herr von Us (Turfan) unterwirft sich mit seiner Stadt
        = HELMAN 13 "Tchao-Hoei reçoit dans son Camp sous les murs de Yerechim ..."



1.7   黑水围解
        Lifting of the Siege at the Black Water River
        Das Ende der Belagerung am Schwarzen Fluss
        = HELMAN 3 "Second Combat entre PAN-TI et Ta-OUA-TSI sur les bords de la ..."



1.8   呼尔满大捷
        The Battle of Qurman (or The Great Victory at Qurman)
        Die Schlacht von Qurman (bzw. Der große Sieg von Qurman)
        = HELMAN 7 "AMOUR-SANA marchant avec sécurité à la tête des Troupes qu'il ..."



1.9   通古思鲁克之战
        The Battle of Tonguzluq
        Die Schlacht von Tonguzluq
        = HELMAN 4 "AMOUR-SANA établi Roi des Éleuths par l'Empereur, dont il étoit ..."

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31771 (ID 32525)
Bilder für die Halle des Purpurglanzes, Exhibition Berlin 2003, p. 58-59
Model drawing in the TENRI UNIVERSITY collection, Japan (formerly Prof. Kuroda Genji).
see Arts Asiatique, 2013, p.41.


1.10 霍斯库鲁克之战
        The Battle of Qos-qulaq
        Die Schlacht von Qos-qulaq
        = HELMAN 10 "Bataille gagnée par TCHAO-HOEI, ou FOU-TÉ, contre le Han ..."



1.11 阿尔楚尔之战
        The Battle of Arcul
        Die Schlacht von Arcul
        = HELMAN 15 "Combat du 1. septembre 1759 dans la Montagne de ..."

Literature
Model drawing in the TENRI UNIVERSITY collection, Japan (formerly Prof. Kuroda Genji).
see Arts Asiatique, 2013, p.42.


1.12 伊西洱库尔淖尔之战
        The Battle of Yesil-kol-nor
        Die Schlacht von Yesil-köl-nor
        = HELMAN 12 "Premier Combat entre l'Armée de l'Empire commandée par ..."



1.13 拔达山汗纳款
        The Khan of Badakhsan Asks to Surrender
        Der Khan von Badakhsan bittet, sich unterwerfen zu dürfen
        = HELMAN 11 "TCHAO-HOEI occupe les Troupes à des exercices et à des jeux ..."



1.14 平定回部献俘
        The Emperor is Presented with Prisonners from the Pacification of the Muslim
        Tribes
        Bei der Unterwerfung mohammedanischer Stämme gemachte Gefangene
        werden dem Kaiser vorgeführt
        = HELMAN 1 "L'Empereur KIEN-LONG, recoit à GE-HO, les hommages des ..."

Literature
Print Quarterly, March 2014, pp.20-44

Please observe the similar painting by Xu Yang: The Xianfu Ceremony from 1760 in the Palace Museum Beijing:



1.15 郊劳回部成功诸將士
        The Emperor in the Suburbs Personally Receives News of the Officers and
        Soldiers Distinguished in the Campaign against the Muslim Tribes
        Der Kaiser begibt sich persönlich vor die Stadt, um Berichte verdienter
        Offiziere und Soldaten entgegenzunehmen
        = HELMAN 6 "L'Empereur charge TCHAO-HOEI avec le titre de grand Général ..."

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31772 (ID 32527)
Bilder für die Halle des Purpurglanzes, Exhibition Berlin 2003, p. 60-61


1.16 凱宴成功诸將士
        A Victory Banquet Given by the Emperor for the Distinguished Officers and
        Soldiers
        Der Kaiser hält ein Siegesmahl für ausgezeichnete Offiziere und Soldaten
        = HELMAN 16 "L'Empereur reçoit les hommages des Peuples vaincus des ..."



Helman produced 8 more copper engravings which he sucessfully sold to the public:
1.17 Ploughing Ceremony Conducted by the Emperor of China
1.18+1.19+1.20 Ordinary Procession of the Emperor of China When He Visits the ...
1.21 A Celebration for Veterans ..., see also LETTRE DE AMIOT 15. Octobre 1785
1.22 A Visit by the Emperor to the Tombs of his Ancestors
1.23 Emperor Qianlong Paying Respects at the Tomb of his Ancestors
1.24 The Emperor Reciting Poems in Honour of his Ancestors
(for more inforamtion on these additional 8 prints see the Total List of Battle Paintings)




Auctions:
Xu Yang´s important handscroll of the "Pacifying Xiyu and Offering Captive Ritual" was sold in China on 10 October 2009, Lot 0001 (pdf), (jpg).



1b. 平定鳥什战图
Quelling the Rebels at Wu-She 1765

Quelling the Rebels at Wu-She

96,1 x 146,2 cm
Literature:
Emperor Ch'ien-lung's Grand Cultural Enterprise, National Palace Museum, Taipei 2002, p. 137
Lee Tien-ming: The Battle of Shih-feng Fortress and its Military Deployment Map, National Palace Museum RQ 2009, p. 139-174, abstract, abstract Chinese



2.   平定两金川得胜战图
      The Jinchuan Campaign 1771-1776

2.0


2.1   收复小金川
       Reconquer the little Goldstreamland
       Die Rückeroberung des Kleinen Goldstromlandes


Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31743 (ID 32496)
Literature
This (?) red lacquer panel sold at Sotheby's London, 6 May 1936, lot 192 (pdf)
Spink & Son Ltd, London, 15-25 March 1983, Lot 3 (pdf)
Clifford, Derek Plint: Chinese Carved Lacquer, London 1992, p. 121-125
Christie's NY, 21 March 2000, lot 70 (pdf)
Christie's London, 12 November 2002, lot 41 (pdf)


2.2   攻克喇穆及日则丫口
       Conquest of Lamu and Rizi
       Die Eroberung von Lamu und Rize


2.3   攻克罗博瓦山碉
       Conquest of the defence tower at the Luobowa mountain
       Die Eroberung des Wachturms am Berge Luobowa


2.4   攻克宜喜达尔图山梁
       Conquest of the mountain range at Yixi and Daertu
       Die Eroberung des Gebirgszuges bei Yixi und Daertu


Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31744 (ID 32497)
Literature
Christie´s Norfolk, 23 May 1984, lot 2537 (pdf)
Sotheby´s London, 1 November 1984, lot 231 (pdf)

2.5   攻克日旁一带
       Conquest of the mountain Ripang and others
       Die Eroberung des Bergs Ripang und anderer


2.6   攻克康萨尔山梁
       Conquest of the Kangsaer mountain range
       Die Eroberung der Kangsaer Bergkette


2.7   攻克木思工噶克丫口
       Conquest of the Musigonggake valley
       Die Eroberung des Musigonggake-Tales


2.8   攻克宜喜甲索等处碉卡
       Conquest of Yixi, Yiasuo and others
       Die Eroberung von Yixi, Yiasuo und weiteren Orten


2.9   攻克石真噶贼碉
       Conquest of Shizhenga
       Die Eroberung des Rebellen-Wachturms von Shizhenga


2.10 攻克葘则大海昆色尔山梁并拉枯喇嘛寺等处
       Conquest of the Kunser mountain range at Zaizedahai and the lama temple Ragu
       Die Eroberung der Kunse’er-Bergkette bei Zaizedahai und des Lamatempels Ragu und weiterer Orte

Red lacquer panel in Stanford Museum collection, Accession Number: 1961.65.1
Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31745 (ID 32498)
Literature
Albert Tafel: Meine Tibetreise, 1911 (pdf)

2.11 攻克贼巢
       Conquest of Zeichao
       Die Eroberung eines Banditennestes


2.12 攻克科布曲索隆古山梁等处明寨
       Conquest of the mountain range Kebuqu and Suolonggu and others
       Die Eroberung der berühmten Palisaden in den Bergketten Kebuqu, Suolonggu und anderer Orte

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31746 (ID 32499)

2.13 攻克噶喇依报捷
       Victory promulgation of the conquest of Gelayi
       Die Siegesbotschaft von der Eroberung von Gelayi


Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 24774 (ID 24774/34)
Red lacquer panel:
Nagel Auktionen, Stuttgart/Germany, 2 November 2006, lot 1426 (pdf)


2.14 郊台迎劳將军阿桂凯旋
       Victorious return
       Der Kaiser begrüßt vor der Stadt den verdienten Offizier Agui bei seiner siegreichen Rückkehr


2.15 午门受俘
       The Emperor is presented with prisoners at the Wumen (Middlegate)
       Dem Kaiser werden am Wumen-Tor die Gefangenen vorgeführt

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31747 (ID 32500)
Literature on red lacquer panel:
Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, press release (pdf).

2.16 紫光阁凯宴成功诸將士
       Victory banquet for the distinguished officers and soldiers at the Ziguangge (Hall of Purple Glaze)
       Siegesbankett für die verdienten Offiziere und Soldaten in der Halle des Purpurglanzes

Red lacquer panel in Stanford Museum collection, Accession Number: 1961.65.2

Auctions: (on the two sets of four handscrolls each see above)
4 prints at Christie´s London, 10 May 2006, lot 110 (pdf),
2 prints at Poly Auctions Beijing, 30 May 2008, lot 2119 (pdf),
4 prints at Sotheby's Paris, 16 December 2010, lot 114 (pdf),
9 prints: Sotheby's, Paris, 18 December 2012, lot 172 (pdf),
complete set at Artcurial Paris, 11 June 2013, lot 84 (pdf),
6 prints at ZGSD, 16 November 2013, lot 0636 (pdf),
4 prints at Lempertz Cologne, 5 December 2014, lot 303 (pdf),
13 prints at Christie's NY, 5 April 2016, lot 265 (pdf), (jpg),
4 prints at Tessier Sarrou, 27 June 2016, Lot 326 (pdf), (jpg1, 2, 3, 4),
complete set at Sungari auction, Beijing, 7 June 2019, lot 0938 (pdf), (jpg),
13 prints at RR Auction, Boston, 21 September 2019, lot 1087, (film1), (film2)

Museums:
Complete set in Berlin Libri sin. 1603 (pdf),
no. 7 in the Korean Christian Museum at Soongsil University jpg1,
11 prints in the MKG,


3.   平定台湾战图
      Campaign against Taiwan 1787-1788

3.1   諸羅圍解
       Relief of Zhuluo
       Die Entsetzung von Zhulou


Location of the red lacquer panel: Asian Art Museum Berlin, Germany
Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31748 (ID 32502)
Literature: Bilder für die Halle des Purpurglanzes, Exhibition Berlin 2003, p. 63-65

3.2   大埔林之战
       Battle at Dabulin
       Die Schlacht von Dapulin

Location of the red lacquer panel: Kasteel Huis Doorn, Netherlands
Literature: Bilder für die Halle des Purpurglanzes, Exhibition Berlin 2003, p. 66

3.3   攻克斗六门
       Conquer of Douliumen
       Die Eroberung von Douliumen


Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31749 (ID 32501)
Location of the red lacquer panel: unknown
Literature: Münsterberg, Oskar: Chinesische Kunstgeschichte, p. 435

3.4   攻克大里代贼巢
       Conquer of Dali
       Der Sturm auf Daliyi

Location of the red lacquer panel: Kasteel Huis Doorn, Netherlands
Literature: Bilder für die Halle des Purpurglanzes, Exhibition Berlin 2003, p. 67

3.5   集集埔之战
       Battle at Jijipu
       Die Schlacht von Jijipu

Location of the red lacquer panel: Kasteel Huis Doorn, Netherlands

3.6   攻剿小半天山
       Attack on the mountain Xiaobantian
       Die Schlacht von Xiaobantian

Location of the red lacquer panel: Kasteel Huis Doorn, Netherlands
Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31750 (ID 32504)

3.7   生擒逆首林爽文
       Capture of the rebel chief Lin Shuangwen
       Die Gefangennahme des Rebellenanführers Lin Shuangwen

Location of the red lacquer panel: Kasteel Huis Doorn, Netherlands

3.8   大武境之战
       Battle at Dawulong
       Die Schlacht von Dawulong

Location of the red lacquer panel: Kasteel Huis Doorn, Netherlands

3.9   枋寮之戰
       The Battle of Fangliao
       Die Schlacht von Fangliao

Location of the red lacquer panel: unknown
Christie´s London, 12 July 2005, lot 148 (pdf)

3.10 生擒庄大田
       Capture of Zhuang Datian
       Die Gefangennahme von Zhuang Datian

Location of the red lacquer panel: unknown
Literature: The Illustrated London News, July 25, 1936
earlier auctioned at Sotheby's London, 9 February 1923, lot 108 (pdf).

3.11 渡海凯旋
       Crossing the ocean and triumphant return
       Die Überquerung des Meeres und siegreiche Rückkehr

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31751 (ID 32503)
Location of the red lacquer panel: unknown
Literature: The Illustrated London News, 25 July 1936
earlier auctioned at Sotheby's London, 9 February 1923, lot 109 (pdf).
Bilder für die Halle des Purpurglanzes, Exhibition Berlin 2003, p. 13
last painting auctioned at Artxun, 28 November 2010, lot 3 (pdf).
earlier auctioned on 14 January 2009, lot 1003 (pdf).

3.12 凯旋赐宴
       Victory banquet
       Die Siegesfeier

Location of the red lacquer panel: unknown


Auctions:
2 prints at Christies's London, 25 November 1974, lot 165 (pdf),
complete set at Christies's London, 17 April 1985, lot 276 (pdf),
complete set at Christies's London, 10 December 1990, lot 300 (pdf),
5 prints at Christie's London, 22 April 1991, Lot 101 (pdf),
complete set at Christies's HK, 29/30 September 1992, lot 1962 (pdf),
complete set at Sotheby´s HK on 27 April 2003, lot 35 (pdf),
9 prints at Spik Berlin, 20 May 2006, lot 2420 (pdf),
complete set at Sotheby´s HK, 9 October 2007, lot 1313 (pdf),
4 prints at Christie´s London, 7 November 2008, lot 291 (pdf),
1 print at Aguttes Paris, 7 November 2011, lot 281 (pdf),
9 prints: Sotheby's, Paris, 18 December 2012, lot 172 (pdf),
complete set at Artcurial Paris, 11 June 2013, lot 83 (pdf),
1 print at Swaen, September 2014?, ID: 34121 (pdf),
4 prints offered at Meijering Art Books, 2016 (pdf),
1 print at Koller, Zürich, 5 December 2017, lot 304 (pdf), (jpg1),
complete Set at Millon Riviera, 7 December 2017, lot 119 (pdf),
1 print at Koller, Zürich, 4 June 2019, lot 293 (pdf), (jpg1),
complete set at Sungari auction, Beijing, 7 June 2019, lot 0940 (pdf), (jpg),
complete set at Sotehby's, NY, 11 September 2019, lot 668 (pdf), (jpg1), (jpg2),
3 prints at Zacke, Vienna, 27 September 2019, lot CA0919-327 (pdf), (jpg1), (jpg2), (jpg3),
4 prints at Christie's, HK, 9 October 2019, lot 271 (pdf), (jpg),
Full Set: Christie's, online, 7 July 2023, lot 39 (pdf),

Museums:
Complete set in Berlin Libri sin. 1603 (pdf),
2 prints in München, LGA 1754+1755 (pdf),
1 print in Amsterdam RV-3544-1 (pdf),


4.   平定廓尔喀战图
      Gurkha Campaign (Nepal) 1792

4.1   攻克擦木
       Capture of Camu
       Die Eroberung von Camu

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31755 (ID 32510)

4.2   攻克玛噶尔辖尔甲
       Capture of Magaer
       Die Eroberung von Magaer

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31756 (ID 32509)

4.3   攻克济咙
       Capture of Jilong
       Die Eroberung von Jilong

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31757 (ID 32507)

4.4   攻克热索桥
       Capture of Resuoqiao
       Die Eroberung von Resuoqiao


4.5   攻克协布噜
       Capture of Xiebulu
       Die Eroberung von Xiebulu

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31758 (ID 32511)

4.6   攻克东觉山
       The battle at the mountain Dongjiao
       Die Schlacht beim Berg Dongjiao


4.7   攻克帕朗古
       Capture of Palanggu
       Die Eroberung von Palanggu

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31759 (ID 32508)

4.8   廓尔喀陪臣至京
       Victory banquet at the Ziguangge (Hall of Purple Glaze)
       Siegesbankett in der Ziguangge (Halle des Purpurglanzes)



Auctions:
Complete set at Christie´s London, 10 May 2006, lot 111 (pdf),
Complete set at Artcurial Paris, 11 June 2013, lot 87 (pdf),
1 print at Il Ponte, Italy, 27 November 2015, lot 1668 (pdf),
Complete set bought by the Getty Research Institute GRI (pdf),
1 print at Koller, Zürich, 4 June 2019, lot 293 (pdf), (jpg1),
Full Set: Christie's, online, 7 July 2023, lot 40 (pdf),
1 print at Nagel, Stuttgart, 7. December 2023, lot 315 (pdf),

Museums:
Complete set in the GRI 2012.PR.33 (pdf),


5.   平在安南战图
      Campaign against Annam (Vietnam) 1788 - 1789

5.0


5.1   嘉观诃沪之战
       Battle at Gia-quan and Ha-Ho
       Schlacht bei Gia-quan und Ha-Ho

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31752 (ID 32495)

5.2   三异柱右之战
       Battle at Tam-dy and Tru-huu
       Schlacht bei Tam-dy und Tru-huu

Literature
Christie´s, London, 12 June 1989, lot 106 - now British Museum

5.3   寿昌江之战
       Battle at the River Tho-xuong
       Schlacht am Fluss Tho-xuong


5.4   市球江之战
       Battle at the River Thi-cau
       Schlacht am Fluss Thi-cau

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31753 (ID 32505)

5.5   富良江之战
       Battle at the River Phu-luong
       Schlacht am Fluss Phu-luong


5.6   阮惠遣侄阮光显入觐赐宴
       Victory banquet of the emperor to greet Nguyen Quang-Hien, the envoi of
       Nguyen Hue
       Festmahl des Kaisers zum Empfang des Nguyen Quang-Hien,
       des Gesandten von Nguyen Hue

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31754 (ID 32506)


Auctions:
4 prints at Lepke, Berlin, 4/5 March 1930, lot 440 (pdf)
1 print at Urban auction, Hannover, January 1943,
4 prints at Nagel, Stuttgart, 6 May 2011, lot 278 (pdf)
complete set at Artcurial Paris, 11 June 2013, lot 88 (pdf),
1 coloured print (5-2) at Artcurial Paris, 8 December 2014, lot 136 (pdf),
2 prints offered at Meijering Art Books, 2016 (pdf),
2 prints at Christie's, HK, 9 October 2019, lot 271 (pdf), (jpg),
1 print offered at Kotenkai, 2023 (pdf),


Complete set in the British Museum 1934,0305,0.3.1-10 (pdf)


6.   平定苗疆战图
      Campaign against Miao (Hunan) 1795

6.0


6.1   兴师图
       Raising an army
       Die Mobilisierung der Truppen

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31760 (ID 32514)

6.2   剿捕秀山苗匪
       Reinforcements Arriving at the Battle against the Miao at Xiushan
       Die Gefangennahme der Miao-Banditen bei Xiushan

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31761 (ID 32512)

6.3   攻克操木山
       The Victorious Battle of Baomushan
       Die Eroberung von Baomushan


6.4   攻解松桃之围
       Lifting the Siege at Songtao
       Die Aufhebung der Belagerung von Songtao


6.5   大剿土空寨苗匪解永绥城围
       The Siege of Yongsui City
       Die Niederschlagung der Miao-Banditen bei Tukongzhai und die Aufhebung der Belagerung der Stadt Yongsui

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31763 (ID 32515)

6.6   攻克兰草坪滚牛坡
       The Victorious Battle at Lancaoping
       Die Eroberung von Lancaoping und Gunniupo

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31762 (ID 32516)

6.7   攻克黄瓜寨巢贼
       The Victorious Battle over the Bandits at Huanghua
       Der Sieg über die Rebellen bei den Huangguazhai

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31764 (ID 32513)

6.8   攻克苏麻寨
       The Battle of Simazhai
       Der Sieg bei Simazhai


6.9   攻得茶它柳夯等处贼巢
       The Attack on Rebel Hideouts at Chaitou, Liutao etc.
       Die Einnahme der Rebellennester bei Chaitou, Liutao etc.


6.10 攻克高多寨生擒逆首吴半生
       Battle of the Fortifications at Kaotou, culminating in the Beheading of Wu Pansheng
       Die Eroberung von Gaoduozhai und die Lebend-Gefangennahme des Rebellenanführers Wu Bansheng


6.11 攻克廖家冲生擒首逆石三保
       The Victorious Battle at Liaojiazhong, culminating in the Beheading of Shishanbao
       Die Eroberung von Liujiachong und die Lebend-Gefangennahme des Rebellenanführers Shi Sanbao

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31765 (ID 32520)

6.12 收复乾州
       The Battle to retake Qianzhou
       Die Rückeroberung von Qianzhou


6.13 攻克强虎哨
       The Victorious Battle to Overcome Huxiao
       Die Eroberung und Niederzwingung von Huxiao

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31766 (ID 32519)

6.14 攻克平陇贼巢
       The Victorious Battle over the Rebel Den at Pinglong
       Die Eroberung des Rebellennestes bei Pinglong


6.15 捷来图
       The Campaign at Jielai
       Der Feldzug bei Jielai


6.16 攻克石隆苗寨
       The Victorious Battle at Shilong
       Die Eroberung des Miao-Palisade bei Shilong

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31767 (ID 32517)

Literature on the Pictures Campaign against Miao 1795:
Illustrated History of the Qing Dynasty 清史图典 (Qingshi tudian) Vol. , pp. 66-85

Auctions:
13 prints at Christie's NY, 23 February 1984, lot 32 (pdf),
2 prints at Sothenby´s NY, 23/24 March 1998, lot 437 (pdf);
Complete set at Christie´s NY, 22 March 1999, lot 132 (pdf);
6 prints at Christie´s London, 10 May 2006, lot 109 (pdf);
4 prints at Christie´s London, 10 May 2006, lot 110 (pdf);
10 prints at Poly Auctions Beijing, 30 May 2008, lot 2119 (pdf),
4 prints: Sotheby's, Paris, 18 December 2012, lot 172 (pdf),
complete set at Artcurial Paris, 11 June 2013, lot 85 (pdf),
1 print (6-12) at Azur Encheres, 4 June 2015, lot 321 (pdf, jpg),
complete set at Poly Beijing, 5 December 2021, lot 5604 (pdf) (= Artcurial 2013),
1 print (6-7) at Kotenkai, Kyoto, 21 November 2022, lot 998 (pdf),


Museums:
Complete set in Berlin Libri sin. 1603 (pdf),


1 print in the British Museum 1868,0328,0.540 (pdf)

7   平定仲苗战图
      Chong Miao Feldzug (Yunnan) 1795

7.1   剿捕仲苗南笼围解
       Attack on the Chong-Miao
       Der Angriff auf die Zhong Miao bei Nanlong

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31768 (ID 32518)

7.2   攻克洞洒当丈贼巢
       Attack on the rebel nest Dongxi and Dangzhang
       Die Eroberung der Rebellennester Dongxi und Dangzhang


7.3   攻克北乡巴林贼巢
       Defeating the Chong-Miao and other rebels
       Die Überwindung der Zhong Miao und anderer Rebellen


7.4   剿净仲苗余党
       Attack on the rebel nest Beiqing and Balin
       Die Eroberung der Rebellennester Beixiang und Balin

Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 31769 (ID 32521)

Literature on the Pictures Campaign against Miao 1795:
Illustrated History of the Qing Dynasty 清史图典 (Qingshi tudian) Vol. , pp. 66-85

Auctions:
complete set at Artcurial Paris, 11 June 2013, lot 86 (pdf),
complete set at Sungari auction, Beijing, 7 June 2019, lot 0941 (pdf), (jpg),
1 print at Nagel, Stuttgart, 7. December 2023, lot 315 (pdf),

Museums:
Complete set in Berlin Libri sin. 1603 (pdf),


8.   平定回疆得胜图
      Second East Turkestan Campaign 1828

8.0


8.1   浑巴什河之战
       Battle at the River Honbasi
       Schlacht am Fluss Honbasi
Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 23603 (ID 32523)

8.2   柯尔坪之战
       Battle at Kor-p'ing
       Schlacht bei Kor-p'ing

Location of the copper plate: Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing.

8.3   洋阿尔巴特之战
       Battle at Yangi-arbat
       Schlacht bei Yangi-arbat
Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 23601 (ID 32524)

8.4   沙布都尔庄之战
       Battle at Sabdul-chuang
       Schlacht bei Sabdul-chuang


8.5   阿瓦巴特庄之战
       Battle at Awabat-chuang
       Schlacht bei Awabat-chuang


8.6   克复喀什噶尔之战
       Recapture of Kaschgar and capture of the rebel chief
       Wiedereinnahme von Kaschgar und Gefangennahme des Rebellenführers


8.7   收复和阗生擒贼目噶尔勒之战
       Recapture of Kothan and capture of the rebel chief Garla
       Wiedereinnahme von Kothan und Gefangennahme des Rebellenführers Garla


8.8   生擒首逆张格尔
       Capture of the rebel chief Jehangir at the mountain Hartagai
       Gefangennahme des Rebellenführers Jehangir bei dem Berg Hartagai


8.9   午门受俘仪式
       The Emperor is presented with prisoners at the Wu-men (Middlegate)
       Dem Kaiser werden am Wumen-Tor die Gefangenen vorgeführt
Copperplate in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, ID 23602 (ID 32522)

8.10 凯宴成功诸将士
       Victory banquet for the distinguished officers and soldiers at the Zhengda
       Guangmingdian
       Siegesbankett für die verdienten Offiziere und Soldaten in der Halle des Purpurglanzes


Literature on the Pictures Second East Turkestan Campaign 1828:
Illustrated History of the Qing Dynasty 清史图典 (Qingshi tudian) Vol. , pp. 28-43

Auctions:
4 prints at Lepke, Berlin, 4/5 March 1930, lot 440 (pdf),
5 prints at Sotheby's London, 1/2 June 1966, lot 210 (pdf),
2 prints at Christie's London, 10 May 2006, lot 81 (pdf),
Complete set at Sotheby´s NY, 21 September 2006, lot 10 (pdf) and resold at China Guardian 2010 (pdf),
3 prints at Nagel, Stuttgart, 6 May 2011, lot 279 (pdf),
8 prints at Primardeco, Toulouse, 17 June 2016, lot 22 (pdf),
2 prints at Bonhams, New York, 10 September 2018, lot 242 (pdf), (jpg1), (jpg2)
8 prints at Daniel Crouch Rare Books, (London),


Museums:
2 prints in Adelaide 711G3+711G4 (pdf),
1 print in the British Museum 1938,0113,0.1 (pdf),


Annex 1: Other battle paintings

- Illustrated History of the Qing Dynasty 清史图典, p.31-34,
- Battle painting sold at Sotheby's London, 16 April 1996, lot 467 (pdf),
- Christie's London, 14 December 1987, lot 427 (pdf),
- Cheffins Cambridge, 23 March 2013, lot 159 (pdf, jpg1, jpg2, jpg3, jpg4, jpg5, jpg6),
- Christie's Paris, 10 December 2014, lot 427 (pdf, jpg),
- Invasion scenes from the Opium War, Dreweatts London, 17 May 2016, lot 7 (pdf), (jpg1), (jpg2), (jpg3), (jpg4), (jpg5), (jpg6), (jpg7), (jpg8), (jpg9), (jpg10), (jpg11), (for further images contact us),
- An Album with Seven Sections of a Painting, Bonhams London, 2 June 2016, lot 8 (pdf), (jpg1), (jpg2), (jpg3), (jpg4), (jpg5), (jpg6), (jpg7), (jpg8).
- Abriß der militärischen Ereignisse in Hsi-ning und ähnlichen Orten (贵州副将奢特陈巴图鲁兴奎) (aus dem Jahre 1895). 10 gute Karten über den Angriff aus Hsi-ning fu in chronologischer Ordnung vom 1. Tage des 6. bis zum 25. Tage des 9. Monats 1895. Darauf die auf Niederwerfung des Aufstandes bezüglichen Depeschen.
- The Pictorial Veritable Records of Taizu / The Veritable Records of the Manchus (yuan 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
- ANONYMOUS, MILITARY PARADE LATE QING DYNASTY, Sothebys Hong Kong, 4 June 2020, lot 437 (pdf, jpg)



Annex 2: Taiping battle paintings by the British painters
A.D. McArthur and others

1. The attack on Fungwha, 9 October 1862

Oil on canvas, 1863, 18,2 x 24,2 in. / 46,3 x 61,5 cm
signed 'A.D. McArthur' (lower left) and inscribed 'FUNGWHA.'/1863.' (lower right)

Literature:
Bonhams London, September 16, 2009, Lot 83 (pdf)
Illustrated London News of 7 February 1863 (pdf) which writes as follows:

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE CIVIL WAR IN CHINA.
IMPERIALIST EXPEDITION TO FUNGWHA.
A recent Number contained the announcement of the capture by an Imperialist force of Fungwha and Kahding, two towns in the neighbourhood of Ningpo, hold by the Taepings. A. D. McArthur, Esq., of her Majesty's ship Encounter, at Ningpo, has courteously placed at our disposal some sketches in connection with the expedition to Fungwha, from which we have selected two - the Landing at Fangchow Bridge (engraved on page 136) and a general view of Fungwha, taken from a pagoda over the approach to the east gate, during the bombardment of the city (engraved on page 137). Mr. McArthur has also supplied us with the following details of the expedition: -

H.M.S. Encounter, Ningpo, Nov. 4, 1862.
For many days the country to the westward of Ningpo had. been in a continual state of fermentation. Fungwha having been taken, it was reported that the Taepings would advance in myriads upon Ningpo, and the whole of the peasantry were on the move ; nor were their fears unfounded, for the rebels shortly appeared in the neighbourhood, burning, looting, destroying, and slaughtering on their way. In crowds the unhappy people flocked to the river and crossed over to the settlement, leaving their homes to the mercy of the ruthless pillagers; the panic even extending to the city, and crowds of refugees took flight to Shanghai. Every preparation was made to give the Taepings a warm reception should they attack; but, after reconnoitring and finding they could not approach without incurring much risk, some of their horsemen being wounded by the fire from the walls, they retreated, and finally fell back again upon Fungwha, From this it was necessary to dislodge them, as the rice crops were just ready for the sickle, and their position enabled them to threaten Ningpo at any time during the winter. The following expedition was therefore organised for the purpose: -1000 of Ward's disciplined Chinese. under command of Colonel Forrester; two American mountain guns manned by Chinese disciplined troops; the smallarm men and marines of the Encounter and the Sphinx to support Chinese troops; three howitzers, with crews from the Encounter and the Sphinx. The expedition started from Ningpo at 9 a.tn, on the 8th of October, under very disadvantageous circumstances, the weather being very adverse, raining hard, and cold. The Hardy, with Captain Dew all board, led the way. Her masts bad been previously taken out, as it was unknown how far she might be able to get up if she passed under the first bridge (Fangchow), above which the river is entirely unknown. She was followed by the Flamer, Deroulede, French steamer, and Confucius, Chinese steamer, all towing boats, with troops, ammunition, and material. As we proceeded up the river, the signs of the rebel advance became painfully manifest; swollen corpses floated past on the tide, or lap putrefying on the banks, a foul and disgusting meal for the dogs which swarm in the villages; few other signs of life were to be noted - an occasional villager standing among the deserted buildings, who gazed upon us with callous indifference as we sped by. At noon we reached Fangchow Bridge. What a change since last we saw it. Houses burnt and ransacked, and upwards of a hundred bodies of the villagers lying in a horrible heap, their crime having been refusing to carry the plunder of their own homes for these inhuman monsters. In the midst of a heavy shower of rain the landing took place, and the boats with the guns, &e., proceeded up by a small. canal which was alongside the path, Some little time was lost in getting the boats past the bridges thrown across this canal, and one had to be removed. They consisted of long slabs of stone laid across leaving a very little space beneath. About 4.30 we rejoined the river, this canal cutting off, as we then learnt, a considerable round; and at 5.30 we arrived at a large place called Nanter, where a halt was called for the night. Ward's men speedily located themselves in the houses, the only inhabitants being half a dozen helpless old men whom the rebels had not thought it worth while to injure or annoy. As night fell the Encounters and Sphinxes were billeted in a large josshouse - "The Temple of Mirth and Dancing;” and soon a large fire was roaring in the courtyard, and blankets and clothes were hung up to dry. The officers occupied a raised stage or platform at one end of the yard, which, in its better days, had no doubt seen many a gay group of painted and richly robed actors. On each side were galleries; in front a large hall with halters and recesses for josses, in which Jack very unceremoniously ensconced himself and regaled on his salt pork and bread .. For our part, we were not behindhand in our little arrangements; the cask containing our beer and other necessaries was speedily got up from the boat and opened; but, misericordia ! half the bottles were broken, and the bread and meat were saturated; there was, however, enough good for the meal; and who could think of the morrow. So, having satisfied our hunger for the present, cigars were lit, and all made themselves as comfortable as they could. The enormous fire which had been made in the centre of the court lighting up the whole of the place and throwing dark and sombre shadows into the recesses and corners of the building, the groups of men adding fuel to the flame or standing around, the quaint aspect and varied colours of the building, reddened by the firelight, formed a picture worthy of a better and abler pencil then mine. At eight next morning the whole of the troops and boats were in motion, Ward's men marching and the seamen convoying the boats. At Nantor there is a very peculiar bridge, supported on huge square pillars of rough hewn stone, roofed in, one side being closed in and built up in recesses, occupied by josses and seats for the behoof of the traveller. The banks of the river, thickly wooded, and shading the water with the their overhanging branches, formed a very pretty background to the ponderous old bridge. The water here is beautifully clear, and the country very fertile, the cotton dropping from the trees for want of plucking. The progress of the boats, however, was slow, as in many places the water was only a few inches deep, and sandbanks occurred at every bend. Over these the boats were got by dint of hauling, and pulling, and lifting: and at ten Fungwha was sighted, with a few gay flags floating in the breeze, while at a respectful distance were stationed a large body of Imperial rabble, who had arrived a short time before, having marched from Ningpo. Fungwha is a long, straggling city, lying at the foot of the hills in a plain covered with graves and mounds, affording good cover for -riflemen. About 600 yards, on the eastern side, the river rushes past in a clear, pellucid stream, crossed by a bridge of slabs of stone, thus separating it from the hills to the eastward, between which and the 'river lies an extensive plain, cultivated with paddy and other crops and cut up with canals. The eastern wall of Fungwha is only about 400 yards in length, the gate being nearly in the centre. A stone pathway leads from a large pagoda to the gate, and over this pathway two elaborate arches are built, the first distant about 200 yards, the second 50 yards from the walls. A large temple on the outskirts of the suburbs at the north-east comer of the wall, which was distant about 600 yards, was selected as head-quarters, and the whole of the force assembled there and went to dinner, This temple was “the ancestral hall of the Kirr family." In an upper room all one side was occupied with a long cupboard, inside of which were ranged, tier above tier, small tablets about 12in. long, bearing the names of the various members of the Kirr family whose bones had long since mingled with the dust. These met with scanty respect from barbarian hands, being freely committed to the flames to boil the kettles with. As soon as the guns were up and the men had refreshed themselves the English howitzers were moved up to the point of attack on the east gate, with 400 of Ward's men as a storming party, and the smallarm men and marines in reserve. The Imperial soldiers were sent round to the western hills, and Colonel Forrester, with the two American guns and about 500 men, including Manilla men from the Confucius, under Captain Lynch. went round to the north gate to attack at that point.

At two the guns were placed on the approach to the east gate under the first archway and opened fire on the walls, which was replied to with much spirit by one gun and musketry, the storming-party and reserve being placed behind the pagoda until their time to act should come. The parapet on each side of the gateway being knocked down about 3.30, Ward's troops were advanced to storm, and the field-guns were run up to the second archway. On crossing the bridge, which was covered with trees, a shower of stinkpots, fireballs, and bags of powder and heavy musketry assailed them. The ladder-bearers were shot dead, and Ward's men retreated to the cover afforded by the graves, and could not be induced to advance. Commander Jones and twenty men were ordered to cross the bridge to reassure them, and did so under as heavy a fire as that which greeted the storming party, and located themselves in the arch of the gate, whence the enemy vainly endeavoured to dislodge them by dropping over fireballs, lighted powder-bags, and other missiles. Nothing could induce Ward's men to resume the attack, although the ladders were carried up under the walls for them by English officers. The attack on the north gate failed for want of scaling-ladders; und at five, it getting dark, our men and guns were withdrawn, with a loss of two officers and twenty-men wounded, leaving Ward's men to hold the pagoda and approaches, their loss being also very heavy.

Nearly all the ammunition for the field-pieces being expended, a messenger was dispatched to the river for more, and also for powder-breakers, with which to blow down the gates, which were found to have solid stonework piled up behind them, resisting all our efforts. During the night the enemy were very busy strengthening the walls and repairing the breaches made by our fire.

At nine next morning it was reported that an army of rebels were advancing from the eastward, and, on going down to the bridge, we found an advanced body of them come to a halt on the opposite side of the stream, while the plain and hills were covered with their banners. In number they must have been about 6000, and were evidently at a lose what to do, the bridge being held by Ward's men. The rebels in the city now placed flags in profusion on the walls to assure their friends in the field, and saluted us whenever they got a chance with musketry. Our smallarm-men now relieved Ward's men at the gate and bridge, and a party went out to attack the rebels in the plain, driving them back to the hills, their force being thus divided into three divisions - one to the extreme right, one to the left, and one on the hills in the centre. A sally was made from the south gate by the rebels in the city to try and join the right flank, and a force composed of Ward's men and the Encounter's marines were detached to prevent their accomplishing this object. Meanwhile Captain Dew with a field-piece, and Colonel Forrester with 500 or his men. proceeded to attack the centre and left flank. Both flanks were driven ill with much loss, the path of flight being strewn with loot of all descriptions, powder. rice, tea, tobacco, oil, &c., and about 1000 pressed country people who had been made to carry this plunder were released. They were nearly all branded on the forehead and cheeks with the character Taeping Tien Quoa, which, being interpreted, means “the heavenly kingdom of universal peace;" but what rebel ideas of peace may be is a question remaining to be answered, as there is not much of peace in their mode of Iife. At night they all retired over the hills.

The ammunition having arrived, it was the intention of Captain Dew to have stormed with the smallarm men at daylight the next morning; but at 1.30 we were roused by a messenger from the Imperialists, who stated that the rebels had evacuated the city, and, by the silence on the walls, and an extensive conflagration inside, their statement was corroborated. Up to one the watchmen had continued to strike their tomtoms, and a regular guard appeared to have been kept. Without any difficulty we scaled the walls at the east gate, and, with a body guard of Ward's men, went through the city to the west gate, by the walls round to the south gate, which was open, and was evidently the point of escape, a wounded Chang-maou being found outside, deserted by his comrades, anti back to the east gate. On the walls all the beds, rugs, and mosquito-nets were found just as they had been left, and even cooked rice. The walls had been strengthened with stone and tiles, and bags and baskets of rice were also used in large quantities to repair and add strength to them. Nothing was left in the city except rice; the place looked as though it had been swept, and looting parties got nothing for their trouble.

Ward's men took immediate possession of the city, and, Fungwha having thus fallen, we returned next day to Ningpo.


Photo left: The civil war in China: Expedition of Imperialists, headed by British officers, to Fungwha – Landing at Fangchow bridge, the scene of slaughter and destruction by the rebels
Photo right: Bombardment of the east gate by fieldpieces of H.M.S. Encounter and Sphinx


2. Collection of seven wash drawings of the China War 1858 in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. Painted circa 1860.


Literature
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England, PZ0719-PZ0725
1. Scene on a river with Chinese craft; Artist: 'S, S E'
2. Capture of Ninpo: storming party under Liet. Davis holding a gateway between the Salt and East Gates; death of Lieut Cornwall, RN; Artist: 'M, J'
3. Capture of Ninpo: shows Kestrel, Etoile, Hardy, Point Battery, East Gate, Confucius; Artist: 'S, S E'
4. Vessels on a river at Ningpo; Artist: 'S, S E'
5. Capture of Ningpo, showing salt Gate, Dr Palmer's House HMS Encounter, North Gate, HMS 'Ringdove'; Artist: 'S, S E'
6. Capture of Ningpo - Breaches in the city wall; Artist: 'S, S E'
7. The Civil War in China: Expedition of Imperialists, headed by British Officers to Fungwha. Bombardment of the East Gate by field pieces of HMS 'Encounter' and 'Sphinx'; Artist: 'M, J'