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Title
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Han-dynasty to Six Dynasties Incomplete 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 – Six Dynasties (202 BCE - 589 CE)
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Location
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China
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Description
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This incomplete crossbow mechanism held by the Nanjing museum is dated to between the Han dynasty to the Six dynasties period. The specific location of its unearthing is not listed
The mechanism is made of bronze and it comprises some of the typical parts of a Chinese crossbow mechanism. The component that includes a rectangular protrusion and two small hooks is the sight and nut, or wangshan (望山) and ya (牙). The rectangular handle to the left of the mechanism is the trigger, or xuandao (悬刀), and 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 within a bronze casing, or guo (郭), but both the casing and the pins are missing from this specimen. The surface of the mechanism has been corroded and oxidised.
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Source
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Nanjing Museum
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Remaining length: 12.6cm
