Exeat signs of the Ding army. Four carved and painted signs.

[China], [Ch'ing dynasty, i.e. 1644/1911]

1 artefact : wood, with black and red paint ; wood 95.4 x 8.3 cm
1 artefact : wood, with black and red paint ; wood 74.2 x 6 cm
1 artefact : wood, with black and red paint ; wood 69 x 6.3 cm
1 artefact : wood, with black and red paint ; wood 68.5 x 6.7 cm

Right stick inscribed in Chinese. Translation: Ding army. Middle regiment. Middle guard. Second squad. Permit to go out to obtain provisions. It is required to hand this back at the due time. In case of disobedience there will be severe punishment. <in red> Go! Second stick inscribed in Chinese. Translation: Ding army. Middle regiment. Front guard. Fourth squad. Permit to go out to obtain provisions. It is required to hand this back at the due time. In case of disobedience there will be severe punishment. <in red> Go! Third stick inscribed in Chinese. Translation: Ding army. Middle regiment. Left guard. Eighth squad. Permit to go out to obtain provisions. It is required to hand this back at the due time. In case of disobedience there will be severe punishment. <in red> Go! Fourth stick inscribed in Chinese. Translation: Ding army. Middle regiment. Back guard. Third squad. Permit to go out and come back in. It is required to hand this back at the due time. In case of disobedience there will be severe punishment. <in red> Go!

Wellcome Collection 47110i