Qing "Southern Bow", Dimensions?
In the Winter 2010 Issue of the Journal of Chinese Martial Studies (see: http://www.martialstudies.com.hk/), Stephen Selby published in an excellent overview of Chinese Bows: "The Bows of China". I found one bow, the Qing "Southern Bow" (i.e. Ming Style Bow) most interesting. I've wondered what happened to all the undoubtedly 10s of 1000s of Ming bows in China when the Manchus conquered the remnants of the Ming dynasty? Perhaps the conquering Manchus destroyed most of them? And just how did the 2 traditions influence each other? Certainly, there must have been some interaction between the Ming & Manchu archery traditions, at least on a local level, all over the Empire. If so I don't find it very surprising to see some sort of hybrid bows, like this one, develop.
My question is, what were the dimensions of this Qing "Southern Bow"? There is nothing in the article or accompanying photo that provides any idea of size.
I'm thinking I'd like to reproduce one...
My question is, what were the dimensions of this Qing "Southern Bow"? There is nothing in the article or accompanying photo that provides any idea of size.
I'm thinking I'd like to reproduce one...
Around 150cm tip-to-tip when braced. Rather larger than a Turkish bow and quite similar to the traditional bows used by Tibetans in Qinghai.
During the Manchu Qing Dynasty, the main motivation to keep up archery among the Han Chinese was to take part in the Imperial Military Examinations, where only Manchu bows could be used. There was therefore only limited market for earlier styles of bows. Those remaining Ming bows that were not damaged beyond repair were probably cannibalized, since good quality horn is always at a premium. If you assume that production of Ming-style bows died out in a generation after the Manchus organized all bow-making into nationalized co-operatives (say during the 60 years following 1700), it is not surprising that none have remained.
I am following up clues that some Ming bows remain in the votive collections of certain Buddhist monasteries in NW Tibet, which also have some Ming armour.
During the Manchu Qing Dynasty, the main motivation to keep up archery among the Han Chinese was to take part in the Imperial Military Examinations, where only Manchu bows could be used. There was therefore only limited market for earlier styles of bows. Those remaining Ming bows that were not damaged beyond repair were probably cannibalized, since good quality horn is always at a premium. If you assume that production of Ming-style bows died out in a generation after the Manchus organized all bow-making into nationalized co-operatives (say during the 60 years following 1700), it is not surprising that none have remained.
I am following up clues that some Ming bows remain in the votive collections of certain Buddhist monasteries in NW Tibet, which also have some Ming armour.