Han Mounted Guard with Crossbow
This image attached is a detail of of an Eastern Han Dynasty 'watchtower' in green glazed ceramic, in an antique shop in Hong Kong. Other guards are stood on the tower, while this mounted guard is patrolling the outside.
By analogy with the other figures on the watchtower, I believe that this guard has a crossbow hung under a sort of riding cape under his leg. Also by analogy with other figures the crossbow is already drawn. That begs the question of how the quarrel was kept from falling off. But this is a completely new configuration of a crossbow man that I have never seen before.
By analogy with the other figures on the watchtower, I believe that this guard has a crossbow hung under a sort of riding cape under his leg. Also by analogy with other figures the crossbow is already drawn. That begs the question of how the quarrel was kept from falling off. But this is a completely new configuration of a crossbow man that I have never seen before.
That is an interesting configuration. They must have a lot of confidence in their trigger-lock mechanisms to ride around with a full-drawn crossbow hanging on the side.
Maybe the quarrels aren't already loaded on the crossbow? What if it's a depiction of a regular bow as opposed to a crossbow?
Maybe the quarrels aren't already loaded on the crossbow? What if it's a depiction of a regular bow as opposed to a crossbow?
I can't guarantee that it's not a regular bow; but it's identical in form to the way that drawn crossbows are depicted on standing crossbowmen on the same piece. Moreover, I have seen a lot of these little horse and rider models and it was not the practice in those times to depict a saddle pad (unless painted on); so I think that what you can see at the rider's crotch is the stock of the crossbow.Justin Ma wrote:
That is an interesting configuration. They must have a lot of confidence in their trigger-lock mechanisms to ride around with a full-drawn crossbow hanging on the side.
Maybe the quarrels aren't already loaded on the crossbow? What if it's a depiction of a regular bow as opposed to a crossbow?
I have a very early example of a crossbow mechanism with a safety on it. It may be that safety catches were common but made of perishable material.
Yes, maybe they didn't set the quarrel.
Incidentally, a reminder of this post, with a figure from the same period:
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/viewtopic ... k+crossbow
http://198.170.107.188/phpBB2/viewtopic ... k+crossbow
I'd agree with Justin in that the bolt/arrow is probably not yet loaded on the crossbow. My only experience in shooting with crossbows on horseback has been with a Western crossbow, but even then it takes barely any time at all to drop a bolt into place as you're bringing the weapon to bear. European crossbow bolts don't usually have nocks, though; do Chinese ones have them?
[quote="Justin Ma"]Maybe the quarrels aren't already loaded on the crossbow? What if it's a depiction of a regular bow as opposed to a crossbow?[/quote]
From the picture, it looks as though the bow is already drawn. If that is the case, then it must be a crossbow. Unless you can argue that a regular bow can be drawn and stay that way. ;)
As to the stability of the locks, they are VERY stable, especially when pointed downward like that. The weight of the trigger keeps the sere engaged. And if the ride is at a gallop, I've seen triggers that had a pivoting piece that would swing around and prevent the trigger from bouncing up. Perhaps just such a trigger was designed for just such a use.
From the picture, it looks as though the bow is already drawn. If that is the case, then it must be a crossbow. Unless you can argue that a regular bow can be drawn and stay that way. ;)
As to the stability of the locks, they are VERY stable, especially when pointed downward like that. The weight of the trigger keeps the sere engaged. And if the ride is at a gallop, I've seen triggers that had a pivoting piece that would swing around and prevent the trigger from bouncing up. Perhaps just such a trigger was designed for just such a use.