Unique weapon of the Ming Dynasty — Fang Ji Huo Feng Zheng (燔積火風箏)

Section of the scroll painting 'Feng Zhen Tu (《風箏圖》)', painted by famous Ming painter Xu Wei (徐渭), depicting an ordinary kite.

Fang Ji Huo Feng Zheng (燔積火風箏, lit. 'Supply-scorching fire kite') was a unique but obscure siege weapon. It was essentially a weaponised kite that carried a timed explosive and propelled by a rocket. The rocket allowed Fang Ji Huo Feng Zheng to be launched into the sky quickly, where it would stay in the air and "wire-guided" to its intended target. After a set amount of time, the bomb would explode in mid air, spreading poisonous dust and burning gunpowder all over the target.

Nevertheless, while the idea behind Fang Ji Huo Feng Zheng was sound, its relative slowness and weak power likely did not justify its use over other, more straightforward weapons such as cannons or incendiary rockets.

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Military fireworks of the Ming Dynasty

Section of the scroll painting 'Ru Bi Tu (《入蹕圖》)', depicting Emperor Shenzong's entourage launching firework rockets into the sky.

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Arrows of the Ming Dynasty

Archery had always been one of the most important cultural aspects of China. Considered one of the Six Gentlemanly Arts in Confucian philosophy, archery played important roles in military, hunting, communication, and entertainment. China was also the first to create formalised ceremonial archery in Asia (which later influenced/inspired similar customs in Korea and Japan), and one of the last to gave up archery as a serious military weapon.

Naturally, Chinese people's high regard of archery led to the development of various specialised arrows suitable for different purposes. By Ming period, there was already a wide variety of arrows in use, with a peculiar focus on anti-horse arrow.

Bow-launched arrow

Drawing of a Dian Tong Jian (highlighted), from 'San Cai Tu Hui (《三才圖會》)'.

• Dian Tong Jian (點銅箭, lit. 'Bronze head arrow'): A general term applicable to any arrow with a bronze arrowhead.

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