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Title
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Han-dynasty Bronze Crossbow Mechanism
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Collection Location
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Nanjing Museum
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Date
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Han Dynasty (202BCE - 220CE)
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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 Nanjing 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 rectangular handle at the bottom of the mechanism is the trigger, or xuandao (悬刀), and within the bronze casing, or guo (郭) there is a sear, or gouxin (钩心) connecting the sight and nut and the trigger. The mechanism would have been held together by two bronze axle pins, but in this specimen, both pins are missing. The top surface of the bronze casing not visible in this photo has a groove that goes down the middle which would continue onto the wooden stock of the crossbow. This groove would be where the arrow rests during drawing and aiming. The surface of the mechanism has been slightly oxidised and scratched.
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Source
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Nanjing Museum
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 14.6cm
Width: 13.5cm
