Gong She Huo Zhe Liu Jian (弓射火柘榴箭)

Drawing of a Gong She Huo Zhe Liu Jian, from 'Wu Bei Zhi (《武備志》)'.

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Bian Jian (鞭箭)

Bian Jian (鞭箭, lit. 'Whip arrow')

Bian Jian (highlighted), from 'Wu Bei Zhi (《武備志》)'.

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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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