#Asian Weapons

[cutecuttlefish]

The sword of the day is the chakram.

The chakram is a throwing weapon from the Indian subcontinent, used by Sikhs until the 19th century. It consists of a flat metal ring sharpened along the entire outside edge. Warriors would wear several of them on their arms or stacked on their turbans. In battle, the chakram would be thrown like a frisbee, or sometimes spun on the finger to generate a surprisingly powerful throw. In folklore and legend, one of the earliest references to the chakram is found in the Mahabharata, a 5th century epic, where this weapon is said to be wielded by Vishnu, as well as one of his incarnations, Krishna.

[kultofathena]

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A post shared by Spencer Waddell (@simply_samurai)

The Kanabo is quickly becoming one of my favorite weapons in my collection! 👹

W/ the world of premiere of Assassin's Creed Shadows I hope to see this beauty used all of it's armor crushing glory! ⚔️

Stay tuned for more demonstrations of this things destructive capabilites! 💪🏿👹🙌🏿

[thegenderfluidgokenin]

How about a knife which turns anything it kills into dust

Or a two bladed sword like Darth Maul style for some kind of tempel guard or something, where they dont need to move around a lot and can always have the sword unsheathed cause that seams to be the most annoying part, of cource high roof and a lot of space would probably be necessary to move around properly. Though it would probably need to be some kind of straight blade like european longswords rather then a katana sry

K O B O L D K A T A P U L T ! ! !

A bone necklace which makes one of your eyes glow blue if you play the trombone

Or how about a classic: FIRE SWORD

Or counter point: ICE SWORD

OR counter counter point: ELECTRIC/THUNDER SWORD

OR counter counter counter point: FLOATING SWORD

Or, if none of the rest is any good, how about an entire arena full of 78 kittens all cuddling with ME

I sort of have the principles of "knife that turns people into dust" thing built into a certain sword called the Sakurajimaken, an old battle sword hidden in a protected shrine on a secluded temple island that instead of leaving wounds, leaves sakura trails, instead of blood, Cherry Blossoms shoot from the enemy, and if you cut a limb off, it disentigrates into the bloss. too.

Also, the double-bladed sword did in fact exist and is actually suprisingly practical in some situations, and would be an excellent fit for a temple guard. I could see if i couldnt make a curved version, but Asian history is no stranger to a straightsword.

Also, elemental blades can be really cool.. If done well. I'll be working on some concepts there, too.

Also, to compensate you for your ideas, 78 kittens are being shipped to you RIGHT NOW!!!

[baebeylik]

Large Mughal saber.

India. 17th to 18th Century.

Mandarin Mansion Antiques.

[thegenderfluidgokenin]

More Female Dao and Male Jian!!!

The weapon OP is using is a 刀 (dao1; one-edged blade/sabre).

[eng by me]

[atlaculture]

Hello!! Firstly, I love your blog, thank you so much for providing such useful and interesting information! Secondly, how was pirate culture in the Qing dynasty? Especially in regards to their clothes. I'd like to make an Earth Kingdom pirate oc, so I've been taking some inspiration from Jiang from the comics and Ching Shih, a famous pirate, but I'd love to see any information you could provide about this topic! Thank you!

What a neat question! The pirate culture during the Qing Dynasty was really interesting. Since I know I have a lot of historical fashion fans following this blog, I'll show you the inspiration board I created first and then try to connect it to the Avatar world. If you're interested in the history of Qing-era pirates or the greater context behind my clothing recommendations, you can click on the "Keep Reading" line.

So what might the pirates of the Qing Dynasty have worn?

Since Qing Dynasty pirates spent most of their time in the South China Sea and docked along the China-Vietnam borderlands--- both the Qing Dynasty and the Tây Sơn Dynasty had employed these pirates at different points in time--- they were likely a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese culturally, if not ethnically. Their clothing would reflect this, as well as incorporating fabrics and cuts that would be suitable for a tropical climate. In general, their wardrobe would be very Southeast Asian in style.

Since you seem to be designing a female OC, I figured I'd make a collage of clothing and accessories that a Qing Dynasty lady pirate might have.

Headwear

Khăn lươn (Vietnamese Women's Headwrap) - Used to keep hair neat and out of the way. It's like a halfway point between a turban and a hairband.

Khăn mỏ quạ (Vietnamese Women's Headscarf) - A bandana that Vietnamese women would wear over their Khăn lươn to shield their hair from the sun. It literally means "Crow's Beak Scarf", because the bandana forms a triangle shape at the front.

Mũ chữ Đinh (Vietnamese Military Officer's Hat) - Many Qing Dynasty pirates would offer their services to the Tây Sơn Dynasty (Vietnamese) navy. I can imagine some pirates wearing these hats as a spoil of war. The hat is showcased on the bottom left corner of the collage.

Nón lá (Asian Conical Hat) - A traditional hat that is commonly worn in Asia by any profession that labors outside. It's probably the hat most associated with East and Southeast Asia.

Đinh Tự (Vietnamese Women's Hat) - A giant, wide-brimmed hat made from dried palm leaves--- it's basically an Asian conical hat on steroids. Whereas the nón lá is relatively gender-neutral, the dinh tự is considered a feminine hat.

Tops

Yếm / Dudou (Vietnamese/Chinese Halter Top) - Fun Fact: Its original purpose was to keep the belly warm, as the stomach is the sea of chi!

Áo gấm (Vietnamese Tunic) - A thin overcoat worn over the yếm. It's often fastened with a sash.

Áo bà ba (Vietnamese Folk Shirt) - A lightweight shirt with slits on the side.

Suoyi (Chinese Folk Raincoat) - A cloak made out of local materials such as palm leaves and grass. It was also worn by laborers in Vietnam, Japan, and Korea.

Bottoms

Kangkeng Le (Thai Fisherman Pants) - They're from Thailand, but I've seen them worn in other parts of Southeast Asia.

Váy (Vietnamese Skirt)

Miscellaneous Speculation

Kiềng (Vietnamese Gold Necklace) - Traditionally, gold or silver Vietnamese/Chinese necklaces were solid rings of metal, rather than being composed of small chain links like European necklaces. I imagine a powerful Asian pirate queen would wear at least three kiềng necklaces.

Tattoos - Since Confucian cultures traditionally considered body modification (including cutting your own hair) to be a sign of rebellion and criminality, tattoos would be the perfect status symbol for an Asian pirate! For a uniquely Vietnamese look, you could try incorporating ancient Vietnamese (Dong Son style) patterns to your design. Alternatively, they could have "protection charm" tattoos on their body, to ensure that the spirits watch over them while at sea or during battle.

Cormorants (Fishing Birds) - Historically, the fishermen of China and Vietnam have trained these species of bird to catch fish for them. I think it would be really cool if your pirate OC had some bird companions.

Weapons

Going to lean into the Vietnamese influence for the weapons as well. Most Vietnamese weapons were heavily inspired by Chinese weapons, but with uniquely Vietnamese touches. Generally, these weapons tended to have more tapered blades, metal engravings with floral patterns, and rattan-corded grips with smaller guards compared to their Chinese counterparts.

Dadao/Trường đao (Chinese/Vietnamese Machetes)

Jian/Kiem (Chinese/Vietnamese Doubled-Edged Swords)

Changdao/Guőm truòng (Chinese/Vietnamese Two-Handed Swords) - Fun fact: These swords were really popular with Chinese and Japanese pirates during the Ming Dynasty, as well.

Niuweidao - I don't think there's a Vietnamese version of Oxtail Sabers. Anyways, I've discussed Zuko's trademark swords at length elsewhere. They're civilian weapons that look very pirate-y to me.

Who would the Earth Kingdom pirates be? How would they make a living?

It has been shown that their is a Vietnam analog in the EK, as I've posted about before. The Swampbenders have some Vietnamese inspiration, as well. So the main base operations for EK pirates might have been that EK village that Zuko and Iroh begged in. Maybe the jerk that Zuko stole the swords from was a pirate.

Considering that Froggy Swamp denizens and other Water Tribers would probably be marginalized by EK society, I think their would be good reason for them to become pirates. Especially since waterbending would obviously be a very useful skill to have at sea. Also, since the Northern Water Tribe is shown to be a bit sexist, I could see the surprisingly not-as-sexist world of EK piracy being especially appealing to the ladies of the NWT. As far as EK natives go, farmers and fishermen who've been displaced by the Fire Nation would probably also turn to piracy. Similarly, jaded or corrupt Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation naval officers might switch to piracy, as well. What drives a person to piracy would definitely inform their clothing choices and weaponry.

Like the real-life pirates of the Qing Dynasty, Earth Kingdom pirates likely have no real national loyalties. If you paid them enough, they'd be willing to fight for either the Fire Nation or the Earth Kingdom. You also have to pay them off to cross their territory unscathed. Pirates raid merchant and military ships alike. For refugees who could afford it, they likely paid pirates to smuggle them into Ba Sing Se. Pirates probably also smuggled goods between nations, as well as drugs.

I also think Earth Kingdom pirates would worship water-related spirits, like Yue (+ the Ocean Spirit) or the Painted Lady. Perhaps they'd lay out offerings to spirit alters they'd have onboard or even "feed" the offerings to the seas themselves.

The Greater Context of Chinese Qing Dynasty Piracy

Who were the pirates of the Qing Dynasty?

The pirates of Qing Dynasty were predominantly made up of former farmers and fishermen. During this period, population growth in China lead to land shortages and many farmers lost their land either from being unable to keep up with rising taxes or outright theft from corrupt officials. Fishermen turned to piracy when fishing could no longer guarantee their survival, especially with European pirates and colonial ships invading their waters. In general, extreme poverty drove people to piracy.

Also, Chinese pirates were surprisingly more accepting of female leadership than men from more "respectable" parts of society. This is due to the fishermen roots of many pirates. Traditionally, when a fisherman died, his wife was expected to take over his boat and crew. Also, the two most prominent patron Chinese gods of seafarers are goddesses, Guanyin and Mazu.

What did these pirates do?

Qing Dynasty pirates were a unique fusion of bandit, mercenary, and drug smuggler. Obviously, if you planned on sailing through pirate-infested waters, you had better pay off the pirates to be left unscathed. Otherwise, your ship was getting plundered.

Qing pirates also offered up their talent for violence to the highest bidder during times of war. In the 18th century, Imperial Vietnam would frequently hire and train up Southern Chinese pirates to assist their fleets during naval battles. Those who earned merit during these conflicts would even be granted official military titles. In 1857, the Chinese government would even employ these same South Sea pirates to take down the Portuguese pirates terrorizing their waters.

Finally, as Qing Dynasty piracy reached its epoch at the same time as the First Opium War, Chinese pirates participated in a lot of drug smuggling. As pirates have no loyalty, they had no issue serving as middle-men in the profitable European drug trade.

Where were these pirates found?

The South China Sea was the stomping ground for Qing-era pirates, particularly the Gulf of Tonkin. In terms of ports and towns, they tended to spend a lot of time in the border areas where China met Vietnam. Remember that these pirates offered their services to both Imperial Vietnam and Imperial China, so they didn't exactly have national loyalties.

[nathaniacolver]

what it feels like thinking about all the tragedy in arcane, and then remembering the lesbians

[strangestcase]

Okay I’ve noticed that in the tumblr gothic lit fandom discussions about racism (be it in-text or fandom racism) never go too far because if it’s a white person pointing something out (usually something blatant everyone can see) they’re accused of white saviorism and speaking over the people of color who are really affected by that racism- but if those people of color do it and call the racism out, they’re ignored. the only people of color that are listened to are the ones that say “it’s not that bad”, “I’m fine with it”, “I don’t mind it” as if they’re a monolith and other POC aren’t uncomfortable with the fandom’s behavior. and, listen, I don’t know if I -as a white person- am 100% right in this assessment, but it kind of… smells of tokenism?

[erabu-san]

bops you on the head gently with a feather duster

oh huh

Thank you?? I guess 😳

[bijoumikhawal]

"historically polygamous societies loved to wage war and slavery to dispose of excess men and emphasize female conversion" okay all those things are true of monogamous societies too. Western Europeans are famously probably the best at war and slavery from the current standpoint and they're monogamous. And from the way you wrote that I can tell you were thinking of the middle east so what the fuck

[cutecuttlefish]

The sword of the day is the panabas.

A blade from the southern Philippines, and the Moro tribes of Mindanao, the panabas was both a weapon and an agricultural implement. It is also known as the nawi, but I prefer the panabas name; it is a shortening of the words “pang-tabas,” meaning “chopping tool” and that is exactly what the panabas does. Blades varied in size, but could get as large as this massive two-handed example seen here. Though primarily used for chopping, there are examples with a point that would have made it an effective thrusting weapon as well.

Thank you to @kathanglangit for helping me write this one! If anyone reading happens to know about weapons, especially African or Chinese weapons, please let me know!

[kultofathena]

Scorpion – Dark Filipino Ginunting with Sheath

Ginuntings are the official swords of the Philippine Marines. Filipino warriors chose them because they could cut through anything and everything! The Ginunting is easier to use as a utility tool, as jungle bolos for clearing brush, slaughter tools for hunting, chopping small pieces of wood for fire, making it the best weapon to carry. It is common to see a Ginunting along with M16s used for war in the jungles of the Philippines. This short and versatile weapon designed with a downward curving blade makes it the perfect weapon for close encounters. Our heat treated full tang handmade Dark Filipino Ginunting is extremely durable and virtually indestructible.

The blade is crafted from 1095 high carbon steel which has been expertly tempered to a 57 HRc hardness and finished with a darkened blued finish. It is made as robustly as is possible with its blade and tang being made from a single solid piece and is finished with black linen micarta composite grip scales which are solidly riveted directly to the tough blade tang. Included is a leather sheath to complete the sword.

[thegenderfluidgokenin]

Great Shirotori Armaments

大保護禅術刃 (Large Blade of Zen Protection Tactic)

A sword designed with one purpose in mind: Provide as much protection as possible.

The combat philosophy of the Shirotori focus on the Two Extremes: Full Aggressiveness and Complete Passivity. For a full understanding of this sword, we must look to the second.

Complete Passivity can be broken down into two modes of battle. One is the Body of Zen, the other the Kitsune Gambit. For today, we cover the Body of Zen.

The Body of Zen is simple: Stay (somewhat) rooted where you are and give as little ground as possible, focusing on keeping calm and patient, countering your opponent until you end up strong and are able to strike your opponent, ending the battle.

This sword was designed with that in mind.

It could be considered unwieldy, but only compared to a stock Katana. The guard is not all metal and the blade is large and dense enough to provide a fine enough balance to the blade, however it may prove difficult to carry around, as it does not have a Saya.

However, despite it's flaws, it's hand protection is unparalleled in the Two-Handed Blade field, only sacrificing more flashy tricks, but leaving room for any actual bladework to be done properly. At the front of the handguard and just above the hilt collar we have an area known as the Mountain of Jigoku, which once an enemy's blade is directed to, they are practically defeated.

The bottom of the 4-metal-pin full tang handle holds a small, spearlike blade that can be used if needed in grappling.

The blade is significantly more like a Dao or even a Messer in thickness and width, however the end is still razor-sharp for good follow-through.

This blade was designed by myself, the Young Master of Clan Shirotori, as i fiercely admire the tenets of Body of Zen techniques.

[dndtreasury]

Reaper's Kama by Loot Tavern

[tatert07s]

When you’re a rogue, but also very Central Asian.

A ref of Aisultan’s clothing with a bit of Qazakh spice 🤧

I plan on including a separate page for his quiver, but also another section with his Halamshiral outfit.

(Alt-text provided)

[classic-asian-art]

Sakuri Takichi Kiyokazu while delivering a blow with his Naginata (colour woodblock print) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi