Qi Ji Guang's Yuan Yang Zhen (鴛鴦陣) — Part 1

Basic layout of the early formation, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Read more

Teng Pai (藤牌), Yao Dao (腰刀) and Biao Qiang (鏢鎗)

The three principal equipments of a Chinese Teng Pai Shou (藤牌手, rattan shieldman) are his Teng Pai (藤牌) shield, his Yao Dao (腰刀) sword, and his Biao Qiang (鏢鎗) javelin.

Teng Pai (藤牌, lit. 'Rattan shield')

Drawing of a Teng Pai, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Originated from Fujian province, the Teng Pai was one of the more common shield types used by the Ming army. Rattan/wisteria shield outperforms wooden shield in almost every conceivable way—it was cheaper, lighter, more flexible, and sturdier than wooden shield, plus it did not splinter nor split along the grain (as rattan has no wood grain). However, rattan cannot grow in North China (which is colder and drier), so Ming troops from that region had to settle for Tuan Pai (團牌, lit. 'Round shield'), a variant made from woven wicker and covered with leather or rawhide.

The average size of a Ming period rattan shield was two chi five cun  to three chi in diameter. Chinese rattan shield usually did not feature metal shield boss (although exceptions existed), unlike similar shields in Xizang and Southeast Asia region.

Yao Dao (腰刀, lit. 'Waist sabre')

A Yao Dao and scabbard, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Yao Dao was a generic name for one-handed Chinese sabre normally used in conjunction with a rattan shield. 

Biao Qiang (鏢鎗, lit. 'Javelin')

Drawing of a Biao Qiang, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Also known as Fei Biao (飛鏢, lit. 'Flying dart'), Biao Qiang was a type of light javelin. Its primary purpose was to distract the enemy, although it could still be lethal if it hit an unprotected vital spot.

Read more

Chang Qiang (長鎗)

Drawing of a Chang Qiang, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Chang Qiang (長鎗, long spear) was a very long weapon. In fact, it was the longest melee weapon in the Ming arsenal, longer than all other types of Chinese spear it replaced. It was effectively the Chinese equivalent of pike. The shaft of a Chang Qiang could be made of either wood or bamboo. Bamboo Chang Qiang was generally significantly longer than the wooden version, reaching as long as two zhang four chi in length. However, bamboo shaft was generally softer, less durable, and very hard to parry with.

Read more