Pao (礟)

Side view of a Pao, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Top view of a Pao, from 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu (《紀效新書》)'.

Pao (礟, trebuchet) was the Chinese name for traction trebuchet. Also known as Pao (砲) during the previous dynasties, the latter term gradually became associated with guns and cannons. Traction trebuchet originated in China and its use reached zenith during Song period. While the importance of trebuchet diminished after the invention of cannons, it still remained a useful weapon in Ming arsenal.

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Ji Zei Shen Ji Zhe Liu Pao (擊賊神機柘榴砲)

Ji Zei Shen Ji Zhe Liu Pao, from 'Wu Bei Zhi (《武備志》)'.

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Shuang Fei Zhua (雙飛撾)

Drawing of a Shuang Fei Zhua, from 'Wu Bei Zhi (《武備志》)'.

Shuang Fei Zhua (雙飛撾, lit. 'Twin flying claw') was basically a Chinese version of bolas that had two iron articulated claws in place of spherical weights. Its primary use was to entangle enemy horsemen.

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