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Title
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Shu Han 16th Year of Yanxi Bronze Crossbow Mechanism
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Collection Location
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Shaanxi History Museum
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Date
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253CE
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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 253 CE, which is the 16th year of Yanxi, a reign title used in the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. 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 rectangular handle at the bottom of the mechanism is the trigger, or xuandao (悬刀), and within the casing there is a sear, or gouxin (钩心) connecting the sight and nut and the trigger. The mechanism is held together by two bronze axle pins and held within a rectangular bronze casing called the guo (郭). The top surface of the bronze casing 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.
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Source
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Shaanxi History Museum
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 13.4cm
Weighs: 0.804kg
