Wubei Zhi (Vol. 35) (1621) - Page 43

Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 86
Military Formations
East
Instruction in Embracing the Head

A woodblock-style illustration depicting two figures engaged in a martial arts drill. The figure on the left is shown from a rear three-quarter view in a low, wide straddle stance. He holds a long-handled saber behind his head and neck, with the blade extending forward over the left shoulder in a defensive wrapping maneuver. The figure on the right faces him, leaning forward in a dynamic stance; he grips a similar curved saber with both hands, positioned as if to parry or prepare a strike. Both figures wear traditional military attire, including headwraps, tunics cinched at the waist with sashes, and loose trousers tucked into gaiters. The drawing is minimalist, employing bold black outlines without background elements, all contained within a simple rectangular border.