2 November 2015

Yi Hu Pao (翼虎砲)

Ming Chinese Winged Tiger Cannon
Drawing of a Yi Hu Pao, from 'Jun Qi Tu Shuo (《軍器圖說》)'.
Yi Hu Pao (翼虎砲, lit. 'Winged tiger cannon') was a late Ming period large handgonne or light cannon. It was said to be more powerful than other cannons (debatable, given the difference in size and bore), very accurate, and fairly portable. It was mounted on a wooden frame that allows its elevation to be adjusted.

1 November 2015

Ding Pai (釘牌)

Ming Dynasty Spiked Pavise
Front (right) and back (left) view of a Ding Pai, from 'Bing Jing (《兵鏡》)'.
Ding Pai (釘牌, spiked shield) was a modified Ai Pai (挨牌) that was reinforced with bamboo and covered in iron spikes. Although dangerous looking, Ding Pai was not intended as an offensive weapon, as its size and the way it was gripped (i.e. with straps) prevented it to be used effectively for bashing. Instead, Ding Pai was designed to be discarded should the need to retreat arise—the spiked shield served as makeshift caltrop to slow the advance of pursuers.

30 October 2015

Dao Chong (刀銃)

Dao Chong (刀銃, lit. 'Gun sabre')

Ming Dynasty gunblade
Drawings of Dao Chong, from 'Jun Qi Tu Shuo (《軍器圖說》)'.
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