Floating Bladders

The Floating Bladder Floating Bladder original: 浮囊 (funang); these were typically constructed from the intact skins of sheep or goats, sewn shut and inflated to act as a personal life preserver or a buoy for equipment is a vital component of the military resources original: 軍資 (junzi); a term encompassing all logistical supplies and equipment needed for warfare required for crossing water original: 濟水 (jishui); specifically referring to the tactical maneuver of fording or traversing a body of water.

This equipment is essential for water transport original: 乘水 (chengshui); literally "riding the water," referring to the methods and tools used to travel via aquatic routes when traditional vessels like boats or heavy rafts are unavailable or would compromise the secrecy of a mission.

As seen in the technical woodcut, there are two primary configurations for these devices. The first is a shaped bladder with limb-like extensions that can be secured to the soldier's torso, leaving the hands free for swimming or holding a weapon. The second is a simple, large circular bladder that the soldier holds against their chest to provide maximum lift in deep or turbulent currents.

The use of these bladders allowed Ming Dynasty scouts and vanguard units to infiltrate enemy territory across rivers silently, often under the cover of night. By utilizing animal skins, which were lightweight and easily portable when deflated, the army could maintain high mobility even in wetland environments.