Analysis of Doubts in the Artificers' Record

Illustrated Three Rites, Volume 11

Thrusting is also performed when soldiers occasionally dismount to push the chariot or hold the wheels, at which times they do not constantly hold their weapons. Furthermore, in chariot warfare, when the two sides are holding their positions, bows and arrows are most effective. It is only when the chariots meet and collide (luA term for the collision or engagement of two chariots.) and the wheel hubs (gu) interlock that short-range weapons are engaged. Therefore, these weapons are mounted on the right side of the chariot, so they may be conveniently seized and used as the situation requires.

The Zuo Zhuan The Zuo Commentary, an ancient Chinese narrative history. records that the people of Chu taught the people of Jin how to remove the jiongoriginal: "Jiong" (扃). A horizontal bar or rack used to secure weapons to the chariot frame.. Du’s Commentary Du Yu (222–285 CE), a preeminent scholar of the Han/Jin era. states: "The jiong is the weapon rack on the chariot." Since the rack is detachable, it must be located on the outside of the sideboardsoriginal: "Yi" (輢). The side panels of a chariot's carriage.. What Jia’s Sub-commentary Jia Gongyan, a Tang dynasty scholar known for his work on the Rites of Zhou. says about it being "a frame reinforced with iron" is correct.

Regarding their mounting: perhaps the shorter weapons are placed in front and the longer ones in back?

The Qiu Spear original: "Qiu Mao" (酋矛). A specialized spear used by the "Spearman" on a war chariot, measuring approximately 4.8 meters. stands four chi An ancient unit of measurement; in the Zhou context, about 23 cm. above the height of the halberd. This is known as the "sixth grade."

The Qiu spear and the Yi Spear original: "Yi Mao" (夷矛). An even longer spear used on chariots, measuring approximately 5.5 meters. are both classified as "long weapons" rather than "hooked weapons" original: "Gou bing" (句兵). Weapons designed to pull or hook an opponent, like the dagger-axe.. Later generations, influenced by the Classic of Poetry line "two spears with double qiaoOrnaments or hooks on the shaft.," mistakenly thought they were hooked. They did not realize that the qiao is actually the fitting used to hang the decorative plumageoriginal: "Ying" (英). Red-dyed tassels or feathers used to distract the enemy or signify rank.. Zheng’s Commentary Zheng Xuan (127–200 CE), the most influential commentator on the Confucian Rites. states that the spear shaft has a socket...