Patron only: Telling apart Chinese polearms — EXTRA: Armour-piercing awl and hanging moon spear

This blog post contains some extra information about Chinese polearms, which is exclusive to my Patrons and can be accessed here. If you like my content, please support me via Patreon!

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Telling apart Chinese polearms: a quick visual guide

UPDATED JANUARY 10, 2025

(Note: The descriptions below correspond to the items in the image from left to right, in the same order they appear.)

1. Ancient Chinese polearms (Shang to Han Dynasty)

1.1 Common polearms

Various ancient Chinese polearms. It should be noted that these weapons are not to scale with each other. For example, the head of a Shu is much smaller than other polearms.

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Jing Lan (井闌)

Drawing of a Jing Lan, from 'Wu Bei Yao Lue (《武備要略》)'.

Jing Lan (井闌, lit. 'Water well lining') wa sthe last of the 'Classic Trio' of Chinese siege engine. It was an immobile wooden tower, usually constructed just outside of enemy fortifications during a siege, so that archers on the tower could attack enemy troops stationed on the wall.

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