Sampans (meaning "three planks" in
Chinese) are small wooden boats first found in early
China's waterways. They are
propelled through the water with a single
paddle or pole at the
stern. They are often roofed with matting.
Sampans were used mostly by fishermen, who fished for among other things, squid, crabs and prawns, using a cormorant attached to a line, with a ring fitted around its neck to prevent it swallowing the fish.
Sampans are still seen in China today.