Below is the evolution history of military attire across the dynasties of China, translated into English and organized in the sequence of Shang-Zhou, Qin-Han, Sui-Tang, Yuan-Ming-Qing:
Shang and Zhou Dynasties
The specific forms of military attire during the Shang Dynasty are difficult to ascertain with certainty, but historical records and archaeological discoveries indicate that the Shang military began using armor and weapons. By the Zhou Dynasty, military attire gradually evolved, with the Western Zhou period seeing diversification in warrior equipment and advancements in armor-making techniques. During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods), apart from widely using leather armor, bronze armor also started to be used, marking further progress in military preparedness.
Qin and Han Dynasties
The military attire of the Qin Dynasty featured a uniform design for all ranks, from generals to soldiers, with all wearing deep-sleeved robes and narrow-legged pants. Soldiers also wrapped their legs with gaiters and wore boots or shoes. This attire design facilitated combat and embodied the uniformity of the Qin military. The Han Dynasty’s military attire was similar to that of the Qin overall, with all ranks wearing deep-sleeved robes (a type of long gown) and pants. With advancements in metallurgy, iron armor became widespread and became the main equipment in the military.
Sui and Tang Dynasties
The military attire of the Sui Dynasty was relatively simple, but the craftsmanship of armor was highly refined. By the Tang Dynasty, there was a diverse range of armor types, with thirteen varieties recorded in the “Tang Six Codes,” including Ming Guang, Guang Yao, Xi Lin, Shan Wen, Niao Chui, Bai Bu, Zao Juan, Bu Bei, Bu Bing, Pi Jia, Mu Jia, Suo Zi, and Ma Jia. These armors not only offered superior protection but were also ornately decorated, reflecting the prosperity and openness of the Tang Dynasty.
Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties
The Mongol main force of the Yuan Dynasty was entirely cavalry, with well-organized and well-equipped troops. Armor-making techniques reached new heights, with armor bodies entirely made of mesh and adorned with copper and iron wires and scales, lined with cowhide, and crafted with great skill. The majority of armor in the Ming Dynasty was made of steel, reflecting advanced technology and a wide variety of types. Additionally, the Ming Dynasty had the most comprehensive system of military officials in history, with the most distinct differences in military attire based on rank. The military attire of the Qing Dynasty saw firearms becoming increasingly prevalent, leading to armor becoming less important. Although armor was still used in combat during the early Qing Dynasty, it became purely ceremonial by the middle period, with soldiers only wearing military attire or cotton armor during battles and never wearing armor.
In summary, from the Shang-Zhou to the Yuan-Ming-Qing dynasties, China’s military attire underwent a process of evolution from simplicity to complexity and then back to simplicity. This change was closely related to the development and economic levels of the metallurgical, leatherworking, handicraft, and clothing industries at that time, as well as reflecting the changing military needs and aesthetic preferences of each dynasty.
