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Title
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Cross-bow
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HCA Identifier
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As.6894.a
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Collection Location
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The British Museum
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Date
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1750-1850
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Location
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China
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Description
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This short crossbow, known as a chu-ko-nu, is constructed from heavy red wood and features a medieval design. It has a thick, block-like stock that supports a double-chambered case on top, designed to hold approximately two dozen arrows. The arrows were often tipped with poison, enhancing their effectiveness in combat. The prod is a curved bamboo bow, wedged in place to the front of the stock, and reinforced with an additional wooden brace that is then bound with rattan or bamboo binding to secure all parts together. While the bowstring does not seem to be original, it currently appears to be made from twisted fiber or cord. Its ends are looped around the edges of the prod, with the middle section positioned where the rear ends of the arrows would rest before firing. Though the lock mechanism is not fully visible, a combination spanning and trigger mechanism lever can be seen on top at the rear end of the crossbow. This mechanism allows the weapon to release two arrows simultaneously with each shot. Two parallel wooden nobs at the front of the stock act as guides for the sliding mechanism, ensuring everything remains aligned during operation. The butt of the stock is capped with a bracing piece, designed to stabilize the crossbow against the hip or torso during use. A hole in the middle of the stock allows the user to insert their hand, helping to lighten the grip and improve handling during firing. Two parallel grooves carved into the front of the stock further ensure proper alignment and secure positioning of the arrows before each shot.
Materials/Media Heavy red wood
Dimensions/Measurements Not sepcified
Other notes Purchase, Crosthwaites’s Museum, Keswick, 2nd day, lot 281
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Source
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https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As-6894-a
The British Museum
