Imperial Commissioner (
simplified Chinese: 钦差大臣;
traditional Chinese: 欽差大臣;
pinyin: qīn chāi dà chén;
Manchu: ᡥᡝᠰᡝ ᡳ
ᠲᠠᡣᡡᠷᠠᡥᠠ
ᠠᠮᠪᠠᠨ hese i takūraha amban) was a high-ranking government official or military general commissioned by the
emperor of China during the late
Ming (1368–1644) and
Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. His power was just below that of the emperor, such that he could command
viceroys and
provincial governors by imperial edict.
Negotiations with foreign powers, for example Lin Zexu, Qishan and Shen Baozhen) as well as treaty ratification as exemplified by Qiying, Yixin, Prince Gong and Li Hongzhang.
Manage aid and unite local government in response to large-scale natural disasters.
Military recruitment and transport. Examples include Tan Lun, Hong Chengchou, Xiang Rong, Zuo Zongtang and Yuan Shikai
Imperial Commissioners received a sword of office from the emperor.