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

A lang xian, which can be translated as "wolf brush" or "wolf bamboo" or "multiple tipped bamboo spear" was a branched, multi-tipped spear with blades attached to the branches. The blades could be dipped in poison. The lang xian 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 lang xian 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.

A notable variant design is Xian Qiang (筅槍, lit. 'Brush spear'), which reduces the number of branches to four or five layers, sacrificing some defensive potential for increased maneuverability and lethality.

Langxian (top), on display

Langxian being used in the mandarin duck formation