[China]. [Military Formations According to the Five Stars and the Crescent].

€ 6,500.00

The album depicts military formations and drills. Cavalry, and infantry divisions are seen in various offensive and defensive positions. The illustrations include soldiers carrying rifles, spears and banners. The album contains formations 6 to 9, according to the hand-written labels affixed to the bottom of each illustration. It is complete thus: presumably, formations 1 to 5 would have been contained in another album. "Piling-up Array" is a form of assembling troops where lines upon lines of troops are "piled up". This formation is clearly depicted in the many illustrations. The hand-written text (on red paper labels on each page) reads as follows: The Sixth is Piling-up Array. The sentinels of the two posts on the back left follow the end of the lines. The mounted soldiers charge. The Seventh is Piling-up Array. The sentinels of the two posts on the back left follow the end of the mounted lines. The middle sentinel withdraws and then charges at the enemy. The mounted soldiers retreat. The Eighth is Piling-up Array (made of 2 drawings). The formation turns into 2 dragon lines. The Ninth Gather to the 5 posts. Kneel down for the order to fire.

Minor restorations. Overall in very good condition