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Title
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Han Large Crossbow Mechanism
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Collection Location
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Shaanxi History 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 Shaanxi History 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. The long rectangular protrusion at the top 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 mechanism is held together by two bronze axle pins and held within a rectangular bronze casing called the 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. Within the casing there is a sear, or gouxin (钩心) connecting the sight and nut and the trigger. However, this particular mechanism is missing its trigger, or xuandao (悬刀), and there is one bronze pin holding the sight and nut in place, but the bronze pin at the front of the casing is missing.
The mechanism weighs 2.535kg, which is fairly heavy considering the missing components.
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Source
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Shaanxi History Museum
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Width: 20cm
