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Title
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Crossbow Mechanism
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Collection Location
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National Palace Museum
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Date
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Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE)
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Location
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China
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Description
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This crossbow mechanism held by the National Palace Museum is dated to the Han dynasty. Its specific location of unearthing is not listed.
The mechanism is made of bronze and it comprises most of the typical parts of a Chinese crossbow mechanism. In the photos, the mechanism is positioned upside down. Thus, the long rectangular protrusion at the bottom of the mechanism is the sight, or wangshan (望山). The two small hooks sticking out in front of the sight are a part of the same component as the wangshan and serve as the nut, or ya (牙). The slightly curved component peeking out from the top of the casing is the sear, or the gouxin (钩心). The whole mechanism is held by two axle pins within a casing, or guo (郭) which has a groove that goes down the middle of its top surface which would continue onto the wooden stock of the crossbow. This groove would be where the arrow rests during drawing and aiming. The trigger does not appear to be present in this specific mechanism.
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Source
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National Palace Museum
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 13.1cm
