Warring States Period Crossbow Trigger

Title

Warring States Period Crossbow Trigger

Collection Location

London, United Kingdom (Formerly Bonhams Auctions)

Date

Warring States Period (c. 206 BC)

Location

China

Description

This bronze mechanism has been inlaid with gold foliage with the hook displaying tigers and birds with the lock mechanism depicting leaf-like patterns. Spots of bluish-green patina can be observed on the tumbler and an axle appears to be missing. The crossbow fitting to the right engraved with both silver and gold, showcasing spiral designs. The fitting to the left is almost wholly covered in patina with ornate gold inlay and and curvilinear patterns poking through the rusting bronze.

Source

A Private Collection

Link:

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30284/lot/106/a-gold-inlaid-archaic-bronze-crossbow-trigger-mechanism-and-two-crossbow-fittings-warring-states-period-4/

Crossbow Top Measurements

Length: 11.5cm (4 1/2in)