Lang xian

Lang xian
The langxian depicted in the Wubei Zhi
Chinese name
Chinese	狼筅
Literal meaning	wolf brush
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin lángxiǎn
Korean name
Hangul	낭선
Transcriptions Revised Romanization Nangseon McCune–Reischauer Nangsŏn

The langxian was a branched, multi-tipped spear with blades attached to the branches. The blades could be dipped in poison. The langxian was a weapon well suited for defense, as it would be difficult for an opponent to assault the wielder without risking contact with the blades.

It was probably an invention of the Chinese general Qi Jiguang of the Ming Dynasty, who described it in his manual titled Jixiao Xinshu. The manual describes that the langxian acted as backup for the rattan shield bearers in a "mandarin duck formation". In Korea, the weapon, known as nangseon, was mentioned as early as the 16th century martial arts manual Muyejebo, which was based on the Jixiao Xinshu.

Langxian (top), on display

Langxian being used in the mandarin duck formation