"The evolution of shields in China (with references also... " Topic

…. to Korea and Japan) part I

"The question of the limited presence of shields or evidence of them in the archaeological finds of China, Korea and Japan, and in the artistic depictions of any kind of the respective cultures is well known to the researchers of ancient and pre-modern warfare of these nations [actually the European historical terms "ancient", "medieval" etc cannot be applied adequately to the Chinese-Korean-Japanese History but the Western historians have to use them for convenience].

I have dealt with this ‘problem' in brief in my book Ancient Chinese Armies (image below, published in Greek) and I will repeat here more briefly my view on it: I do not believe that the Chinese, Korean and Japanese troops used shields to a lesser degree than the ancient and medieval combatants of the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Iran or India. Almost in their entire history, the Chinese and the Koreans had to fight peoples and tribes of skilful archers and horse-archers, mostly nomadic groups such as the Hu tribes, the Hsiung Nu, the Wu Huan, Hsien Pi, Juan Juan, Tu Ęiueh, Mongols, Manchu, Dzungarians and many more other Tocharian, Turkic, Mongol and Tungus tribes. The armies of the Tai and Yueh (Viet) tribes in the south of the Chinese, and the Tibetans and the Chiang in the west of them were also manned by numerous archers…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Interesting.

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

The evolution of shields in China (with references also to Korea and Japan) part II

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Amicalement
Armand

Please show me evidence of a Warring States or Han period soldier using a ji (long dagger-axe with spear point) with a shield. We know they combined the ko (short dagger-axe) and spear with shield, just as they used the sword with a shield. But it is the 2-handed polearm that is most in doubt. The same applies to the polearms (halberds) used by successive dynasties.

Furthermore, Chinese cavalry used the lance and the ji with two hands, so the use of a shield by them is also in doubt.

Cheers