China - Empire to Republic

Chinese Flagstaff Finial, Han Dynasty,206 BC - 220 AD. This cast bronze flagstaff finial dates from the Han Dynasty (206 BC220 AD). A part of the Han military expansion was the tactical use of flags. On top of the flag pole often was placed an ornament of some significance called a finial, this finial is likely from a Han military color.

National Flag of Imperial China. This striking small silk dragon flag was the national flag of Imperial China. This version of the National flag was created in 1863 based on the dragons used on the imperial robes worn by the emperors of China.

Chinese Imperial Army, Forbidden City Designating Flag - Boxer Rebellion, 1900, Capture by 14th US Infantry. This pennant was previously represented as a flag associated with the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, or "Boxers." A preliminary translation of the ideograms has led to an alternative conclusion on the flag.

National Flag of the Republic of China, 1910-1928. This colorful small silk five striped flag was the national flag of the Chinese Republic declared by Dr. Sun Yat-sen in 1912. This five striped, red, golden-yellow, royal blue, white and black colors combined the colors of the five dominant ethnicities of China.

National Flag of the Republic of China. Typical flag used in China by European and American missionaries in their schools in pre-war China. These mission schools became the foundation of the modern Chinese educational system and helped introduce Western teaching methods into China.

China, Shanxi, Japanese occupied - Military Propaganda Flag welcoming Japanese troop commander This flag is an army 'welcome flag' of occupied China. Japan set up a puppet government in China during Sino-Japanese war. This flag was made in 1938 so that the Chinese people might reluctantly welcome a Japanese army airfield defense commander.

China - Republic, National Flag, Patriotic Anti-Communist Youth Movement, Captured by Japanese Troops, 1938 Group #1 of the Federation of Chinese Anti-Communist Patriotic Youth Leagues used this flag. The Chinese inscription along the hoist (roughly translated as, "We the Opposing Forces, Federation of Patriotic Youth League, The 1st Group"

Republic of China - Embassy Flag - Washington DC, 1928-1979 This Republic of China national flag is marked on the top and bottom of the obverse and reverse to read 'Chinese Embassy, Washington D.C.'. This would date this flag to somewhere in the 49 year period from 1928 to 1979, when the U.S. maintained full diplomatic relations with China.

Republic of China National Flag. A small cotton variant of the national flag of Republic of China. The uniqueness of this flag is in the sunburst, which deviates from the specifications of the usual 12 foreshortened triangular rays surrounding the white sun.

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Linen. This Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund piece of linen is imprinted with images of both military and civilian jet aircraft.