Cang

Cang, or CANGUE, an instrument by means of which petty offenders in China are punished. It consists of a large wooden collar fitting close round the neck, varying in size and weight, but not to be removed by day or night during the whole period of punishment, which may vary in length from a fortnight to three months. Its form prevents the victim from stretching himself at full length, and upon this depends in great part the severity of the punishment. He is left also to be starved or fed by the public at their pleasure. The prisoner's name and the nature of his offence are written on the cang in large letters.