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Title
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Han-dynasty Bronze Crossbow Mechanism
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Collection Location
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Victoria and Albert Museum
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Date
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197CE
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Location
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China
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Description
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This bronze crossbow mechanism held by the Victoria and Albert museum is dated to 197CE. 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 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 slightly corroded and oxidised.
The museum was able to date this crossbow mechanism precisely to 197CE. This could be indicative of engravings on the crossbow mechanism that dates it to a specific year of manufacture. This information could alternatively have been deduced from archaeological context.
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Source
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Victoria and Albert Museum
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Measurements not provided
