Tang Dynasty Cavalryman (8th Century) 大唐重骑兵
A Tang dynasty heavy cavalryman. The soldier is almost entirely encased in heavy lamellar armor, and carries a distinctive painted lacquer shield with kite- like 4 color motif. In his right hand he carries a battle axe and a composite bow is slung by his side.
TANG CAVALRYMAN (8th CENTURY)
A rare example of a Tang heavy cavalryman from the Yulin Cave #25 Northern Wall. The massive plume and orb like object above his head is not attached to the horseman but rather a foreshortened object in the background. The soldier is almost entirely encased in heavy lamellar armor, and carries a distinctive painted lacquer shield with kite- like 4 color motif. In his left hand he carries a battle axe and a bow is slung by his side.
Celestial Guardian from Yulin Cave 25 Maitreya Sutra in China, displaying a guardian with a helmet with prominent winged cheek pieces- Most of the Tang helmets for the high ranking military officers have extended cheek pieces that were phased out in succeeding Chinese dynasties, however, they would become a common fixture for the samurai helmets in Japan. For the samurais of the succeeding centuries, namely during the Hein era- they would term such pieces Fukigaeshi.
Detailed illustration of Tang cavalry painted from a closeup of of a military parade from the Mogao Caves which displayed the Tang heavy cavalry in full combat gear, supplanted by heralds and ensigns (probably Central Asian auxiliaries) in silk uniforms. The surburst banner depicted here in orange, teal, and a golden center have led some historians to suggest it was the official sigil of the Tang empire.
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TOPICS: Tang Military Overview, Tang Dynasty Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Tiger Crown Troops,
UNITS: Tang Imperial Officer, Tiger Crown Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Heavy Cavalry
UNITS: Tang Imperial Officer, Tiger Crown Cavalry, Tang Imperial Guards, Tang Heavy Cavalry
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Comments
To be 100% technical, more than anything its a "moonburst" ~and actually a Vedic symbol first used in Hinduism but adopted by Buddhism as well: here is the symbol in its full glory.
http://www.sanatansociety.org/beeld/hindu_symbols/saj_hs_petals_01.JPG
The Tang most likely used it as an auspicious symbol. But one thing is for sure, the official banners of the Empire would have been emblazoned with the letter: 唐 "Tang" on its banners.
Other symbols that have been used by the Tang are the usuals, Tigers, Azure birds, qilins etc.