Chinese Ming Shield

By Crusader1307

Used by Ming Dynasty of the 13th Century, The Typical Ming Shield was a circular wooden shield, reinforced by a thin layer of bronze or iron plating. The inside of the shield may or may not be “coated” in the same way. Normally, a related metal shank was riveted inside for an arm hold. Ranging 3 feet in diameter, The Ming Shield was somewhat heavy at 4 pounds. Often highly decorated with carvings of an “Imperial Nature” (e.g. Dragons, Serpents, Certain Birds, etc) -were placed on the shield face. The Ming Shield was (like most shields) of little protection against firearms. Many examples of The Ming Shield have survived into The Modern Age.