For most of China's history, lamellar armour and, to a much lesser extent, scale armour were the most widely used armour types in Chinese armies. The use of lamellar armour declined during Ming period, having given way to the more convenient yet no less protective brigandine. Nevertheless, it never disappeared completely from Chinese arsenal.

Generally speaking, there were several different styles of lamellar or scale armour in use during Ming period.

Traditional Song Dynasty-style "Ornate" Armour

Section of an early Ming Dynasty religious scroll painting, depicting a Chinese general in an ornate suit of composite armour. Shanxi Museum.

This type of armour is one of the most recognisable of Chinese armours, and is usually reserved for the highest ranking generals and Jin Yi Wei (錦衣衛). It can be of either lamellar, scale, mountain pattern or even mail construction, or a composite of multiple types. As this type of armour is often ornamental in nature, it is usually made of bronze or gilded iron/steel. Field armour of this style also existed, but never common.

While Ming armour followed the design and aesthetic of Song armour very closely, they were not completely identical. The development of extremely long hanging loin armour know as Hu Wei (鶻尾, lit. 'Falcon tail') was unique to Ming Chinese.


Traditional Song Dynasty-style "Cataphract" Armour

Section of the scroll painting 'Wakō-zukan (《倭寇図巻》)' currently kept at the University of Tokyo, depicting a Ming general and his retinue.

Plainer and more practical version of the above armour, this armour was widely used during Song period, both by the Chinese and their Khitan and Jurchen enemies. It was later adopted by the Mongols, and nowadays this armour is more associated with Mongols rather than Chinese.

One of the most prominent characteristics of this armour is the crossed straps on the chest to fix the pauldrons in place. Most armours of this type feature exposed straps, although the straps can be hidden beneath torso armour as well. Some pauldrondesigns also feature extra chest plates to cover the straps. Unlike the ornate armour, this type of armour uses lamellar construction exclusively.

This armour was used by Ming Chinese in limited numbers from early to mid Ming period, and possibly later. It was probably more common in South China than in the North (due to South China being less exposed to Mongol influence). The face-covering heavy helmet that usually accompany this armour was no longer widely used though.


Traditional Song Dynasty-style Liang Dang Jia (兩當甲)


Transition into Ming Dynasty-style armour
The ninety-seven year long Mongol rule of China had introduced many changes to Chinese culture. Among other things, a type of collarless, sleeveless single-breasted coat known as Bi Jia (比甲) was developed during Yuan period (as sleeveless clothing is more convenient for horse archery) and became fashionable among women during Ming period. Bi Jia eventually developed into a male version known as Zhao Jia (罩甲) during Ming period.

Zhao Jia was used as military uniform (although civilians quickly imitated the design), and soon developed into actual armour. Both armours described below, as well as their more common brigandine counterparts, can be called Zhao Jia.

Ming Dynasty "Long Coat" Armour

Section of the Ming Dynasty scroll painting 'Chu Jing Tu (《出警圖》)', depicting Ming cavalrymen in long lamellar coat.

This style of armour is essentially the same as Ming brigandine, except with armour plates on the surface of the coat rather than beneath it. It can be made of bronze or iron, and of either lamellar, scale or mountain pattern construction. Field armour of this type was almost inevitably iron lamellar suit. This armour was commonly but not exclusively used by chosen elites, officers and generals. Nevertheless, it was sometimes criticised for being too expensive and very hard to maintenance.

Minor variations of the long coat armour. From left to right: Sleeveless long coat, cap sleeve long coat, sleeveless long coat with armguards, cap sleeve long coat with armguards, long coat with spaudlers reminiscent of Song Dynasty armour. The spaudler version seems to be used exclusively for parade and ceremonial duties.

Ming Dynasty "Waistcoat" Armour

Ming flailmen and shieldsmen in armoured vest, from a mural section in Fire God's Temple, Yongningzhen, Yanqing, China.

Basically an armoured waistcoat, this type of armour was commonly used by foot soldiers. When used by mounted troops, it was sometimes worn together with a separate, apron-like thigh armour.



Other Armours
Other less common lamellar and scale armours are covered in the following blog posts:

Leather (and other animal-derived) armours of the Ming Dynasty
Scale armours from 'Yu Zi Shi San Zhong Mi Shu Bing Heng'
Fan Jiang Hun Hai Fei Bo Shen Jia