The Introduction of the Pigtail (litho)

The Introduction of the Pigtail. The first thing the Manchus did was to make the "pigtail" style of coiffure obligatory throughout the empire. In the north there were already a certain number of Chinese who, mostly from fear, had shaved their heads as a token of submission to the new ruler; but in the south resistance to the order was obstinate and prolonged, and was only swept away gradually. Upon the abdication of the Manchus in 1912 the wearing of the pigtail was generally discontinued. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.