When the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to Japan below the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, folks on the island didn’t settle for the brand new rule with out resistance. Native elites declared the “Republic of Formosa” and proclaimed the then-governor Tang Jingsong as its first president. He held the place for less than eight days earlier than fleeing to China as Japanese troops superior. Liu Yongfu later took over however did not cease the invasion, fleeing himself in October. The Republic lasted solely round 150 days.
Although transient, the Republic was the primary time Taiwan had a nationwide emblem. At the very least three “Blue Floor Yellow Tiger” flags had been flown in northern Taiwan, later captured and despatched again to Japan. The originals at the moment are misplaced. Round 1909, Japanese painter Takahashi Untei was requested to duplicate the flag, and his work turned the idea for all later variations.
Look rigorously on the tiger’s eyes—one broad open, the opposite squinting—meant to represent vigilance each day and evening.
