LB,
I actually know the answer to this one. He's from a Bearer corps raised round about Canton. He hangs the stuff he's carrying on the bamboo poll, and puts it over his shoulder. I think that there's an image in the Osprey book on the Tai Ping Rebellion.
What I find most interesting is that he has the traditional Chinese chest badge, explaining his; name, rank, unit, and I think where he stands in formation. Except, since this is a British unit, it's in English not Chinese characters.
Regards,
MW
PS - Has the TBC-Mail resumed?