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Title
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Crossbow-trigger Mechanism
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Collection Location
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The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, US
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Date
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Western Han Dynasty (202BCE-9CE)
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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 Smithsonian Institution is dated to the Western 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 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.
There are designs inlaid in silver on the top surface of the crossbow mechanism as well. These designs resemble cloud-like formations, arranged in a geometric fashion.
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Source
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The Smithsonian Institution
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Measurements not listed.
