Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 21

Military Resources: Warfare — Banners, Part 3

Page 5

Grand Command Standardoriginal: 坐纛 (zuò dào). This is the supreme flag of the army. The term "seated" (zuò) indicates it is the stationary central point of authority where the commander-in-chief is stationed.

original: 親兵 (qīnbīng). These were the "inner circle" troops, often hand-picked for their loyalty and martial skill to protect the high command.

original: 細樂 (xìyuè). Literally "fine" or "slight" music. Unlike the loud, crashing sounds of war drums used for battlefield maneuvers, this ensemble played melodic music (using flutes and softer percussion) for ceremonies or to mark the commander's presence.

Hourglass Drumoriginal: 杖鼓 (zhànggǔ). A double-headed drum with a narrow waist, played with a stick in one hand and the palm of the other.
Bronze Drumsoriginal: 銅鼓 (tónggǔ). Ancient metal percussion instruments often associated with southern Chinese military traditions and used for both signaling and prestige.