Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Utensils, Volume Six Weapons Category

Upright Melon-mace Original: Ligua (立瓜). A ceremonial mace with a melon-shaped head positioned vertically on the staff. These were carried by the Imperial Bodyguards during processions to signify the Emperor's power to punish.

Reclining Melon-mace Original: Wogua (臥瓜). Similar to the Upright Melon-mace, but with the head mounted horizontally. Together, the "Upright" and "Reclining" maces were standard regalia for the Ming court.

Bow Case Original: Gongjian (弓鞬). This refers specifically to a case for an unstrung bow. The gloss mentions a Hulu (gourd) style, which was a combined carrier designed to hold both the bow and a set of arrows in one unit.

Fish-skin Quiver Original: Yufu (魚服). A quiver made from the skin of large fish, such as sharks or rays. This material was prized for being waterproof and exceptionally durable, protecting the fletching of the arrows from dampness.

Archer’s Ring Original: Jue (夬). A thumb ring made of bone, horn, or jade. In the "Mongolian draw" used in China, the string is pulled with the thumb; the ring protects the skin and allows for a sharp, clean release of the arrow.

Arm Guard Original: She (拾). A leather bracer worn on the inner forearm of the arm holding the bow to protect the skin from the snap of the bowstring.

Large Shield Original: Aipai (挨牌). Literally "leaning shield." These were large, rectangular shields used by infantry to create a defensive wall. They were often tall enough to cover most of a soldier's body.

Swallow-tail Shield Original: Yanweipai (燕尾牌). A shield named for its distinctive shape, which narrowed or split at the bottom like the tail of a swallow, allowing for better mobility or specific defensive postures.

Rattan Shield Original: Tengpai (藤牌). A circular, convex shield woven from tough rattan vines. They were lightweight, extremely strong, and famous for their ability to deflect both blades and early firearms.