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Title
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Han-dynasty 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. The exact location of its unearthing is not listed
The mechanism is made of bronze and it comprises most of the typical parts of a Chinese crossbow mechanism. In the photo, it is oriented upside-down. The long rectangular protrusion at the bottom of the mechanism is the sight, or wangshan (望山). The two small hooks that would be sticking out in front of the sight but that are hidden in the photo are a part of the same component as the wangshan and serve as the nut, or ya (牙). The rectangular handle at the top 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), which protrudes exposed from the casing, connecting the sight and nut and the trigger. The mechanism is held together by two bronze axle pins. The top surface of the bronze casing 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 corroded and oxidised quite severely.
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Source
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Nanjing Museum
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 13cm
Width: 11cm
