Unique weapon of the Ming Dynasty — Lang Xian (狼筅)

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

Drawing of a Lang Xian, from a Korean print of 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Lang Xian (狼筅, can be written as 筤筅, lit. 'Wolf brush'), sometimes translated as "wolf bamboo" and "multiple tipped bamboo spear", was arguably the MOST uniquely Chinese weapon ever devised, and one of the most effective weapons if used right. Essentially a long bamboo spear with layers of branches still attached, there was much more to this unassuming weapon than meets the eye.A typical Lang Xian was roughly one zhang and five to six chi long (around 4.8 m/15.75 ft to 5.12 m/16.8 ft), and weighed seven jin (4.13 kg/9.1 pound). It was made of sturdy tortoise-shell bamboo with its leaves trimmed away but still retained nine to thirteen layers of branches (branches from other bamboo could be artificially attached if there were insufficient layers), which were fire-hardened and shaped to either point outward or point forward, and finished with tung oil to strengthen them further. To give the weapon some modicum of offensive power, its branches were smeared with poison, and a small iron spearhead was fitted to the top end of the bamboo culm.

A clumsy and unwieldy weapon, Lang Xian could deal very little damage on its own. Nevertheless, it was a superb defensive weapon and, when used correctly in conjunction with other weapons, became a potent force multiplier. The advantages of Lang Xian laid in:

• The projection of layered branches, combined with the extreme length of the weapon, created an extremely large defensive silhouette that nearly covered the wielder's entire body, effectively closing off most lines of attack from the front.
• The layered branches of Lang Xian allowed the weapon to deflect incoming projectiles such as arrows.
• Effectively a man-portable version of abatis, Lang Xian was also great at fending off cavalry charge, more so when supported by other weapons.
• The branches and barbs on Lang Xian could snag on enemy clothes, preventing them from slipping pass the threat area of the weapon.
• Wielder of Lang Xian could project a fence of branches directly onto approaching enemy troops, using the constantly moving and shaking branches to distract and blind them from other dangers (i.e. a sudden spear thrust through the branches or a charging swordsman).
• If an opportunity presented itself, wielder of Lang Xian could also attempt to catch enemy flag to tear it down.

Essentially, a Lang Xian effectively shutted down all enemy's options as it provided good protection against most forms of ranged weapons, kept its wielder safe from all but the longest reaching weapons, and prevented the enemy from getting around the weapon. This allowed even a poorly trained troop to fight on equal footing against a better skilled opponent.

Over the years various minor modifications were applied to the base design of Lang Xian. Examples include adding a lance sling to the weapon and replacing bamboo branches with artificial branches made of iron. A notable variant, known as Xian Qiang (筅槍, lit. 'Brush spear'), also reduced the number of branches to four or five layers, sacrificing some defensive potential for increased handling and lethality.