Wei Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Bamboo (zhú) 筅 Kangxi strokes: 12 Page 966, Entry 18 Pronounced xiǎn. 筅 (xiǎn): A bamboo whisk. According to the Guangyun (Guangyun), it is a dining implement, same as the character (kùn). According to the Zhengzitong (Zhengzitong), the langxian (wolf-whisk) is a type of weapon. According to the Martial Arts Chapter of Qi Jiguang (Wu yi pian): The wolf-whisk is made from the top section of a large bamboo stalk, retaining the side branches which fork at every node. It appears about two feet in circumference and fifteen or sixteen feet long, with a sharp blade one foot in length at the tip. Guo Yingxiang states: When facing the enemy, if one's personal skill is weak, one's courage may easily waver; however, the whisk serves to shield the entire body, preventing enemy swords and spears from penetrating. When arranged in ranks, it serves as a defensive barrier for the formation.