Subject: qinjun ying imperial guard
Culture: Sino-Manchurian
Setting: Qing empire, China 18th-19thc
Object: archery equipment = 弓 gōng bow, 弓壳 gōng ké bowcase, 箭头 jiàntóu arrows, 颤动 chàndòng quiver, 拇指环 mǔzhǐ huán thumb-ring
Harwood International > 2828 *
* Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art > Weapons and Warriors
"Chinese Compound Bow wood, horn, sinew ...
Stringing the bow requires two people, one hooks the bowstring in the nocks while the other pulls the limbs backward into the re-curved shape.
The Chinese invented the crossbow; however, the laminated and composite bows were the most popular."
Harwood International > 2828 *
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Royal Armouries Museum > Oriental Gallery *
"Composite bow (gong) Chinese, probably late 16th century
The typical Chinese composite bow is large, with long ears which have small blocks called string-bridges at their bases.
It is formed of wood, horn and sinew, covered with materials and lacquered."
The thumb release is used throughout Asia; the bowstring is held principally by the thumb, and the arrow shot to the right of the bow.
Chinese thumb rings are usually of jade (nephrite) like this example."
