Question: Chinese spears

Timo Nieminen · 6th June 2013, 09:31 AM

The relevant spear material from Muye Dobo Tongji. This is from the Kim translation, and the Chinese is not available, only the English. I believe this is translated into English from a Korean translation, rather than directly from the original Chinese.

(a) The best wood is yew. Spruce is too flexible, and bamboo is too soft.

(b) Jillyo wood is best, then mulberry, then armor maple. Nothing else can be used.

(c) The best wood is jumok (ju wood, might be white oak), then bipa wood which is similar to oak, then palm tree.

A couple of other woods are named (only Korean names are given). From the further description, one might be white waxwood.

Jillyo might be 柘條木 (zhe wood), it is described as thorny.

Bamboo pole and laminated bamboo spears were used.

Butt spikes are used. Pointed, and copper (bronze?). All spears, except bamboo spears, are shown with butt spikes in the illustrations.

6th June 2013, 09:31 AM	#8
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	The relevant spear material from Muye Dobo Tongji. This is from the Kim translation, and the Chinese is not available, only the English. I believe this is translated into English from a Korean translation, rather than directly from the original Chinese. (a) The best wood is yew. Spruce is too flexible, and bamboo is too soft. (b) Jillyo wood is best, then mulberry, then armor maple. Nothing else can be used. (c) The best wood is jumok (ju wood, might be white oak), then bipa wood which is similar to oak, then palm tree. A couple of other woods are named (only Korean names are given). From the further description, one might be white waxwood. Jillyo might be 柘條木 (zhe wood), it is described as thorny. Bamboo pole and laminated bamboo spears were used. Butt spikes are used. Pointed, and copper (bronze?). All spears, except bamboo spears, are shown with butt spikes in the illustrations.