Question about the two 'type's of arrow in the Qing quiver.
The question came to my mind as seeing some illustrations depicting
Qing archers - Some of them being the emperors themselves. -.
One of the illustrations I've seen is the portrait of
Qianlong emperor of Qing, drawn by Giuseppe Castiglione in 18th century.
It is in the Palace Museum of Beijing.
I've noticed that there are two types of arrow with different
fletchings - and different length also, it seems. - stored in the quiver
in two separate rooms.(And so does many other illustrations of Qing
archers.)
What are the difference of the use of these two 'type's of arrows,
and how do they differ?
Qing archers - Some of them being the emperors themselves. -.
One of the illustrations I've seen is the portrait of
Qianlong emperor of Qing, drawn by Giuseppe Castiglione in 18th century.
It is in the Palace Museum of Beijing.
I've noticed that there are two types of arrow with different
fletchings - and different length also, it seems. - stored in the quiver
in two separate rooms.(And so does many other illustrations of Qing
archers.)
What are the difference of the use of these two 'type's of arrows,
and how do they differ?
This is only an opinion, but I believe the three pockets on the inside face of the Qing quiver were used for whistling arrows and blunts. The base of the main part of the quiver is wood covered with leather on the outside. It is suitable for supporting arrows with points. The pockets have soft leather bases. They would be good for whistling arrows. There is a spacer in the mouth of the main part of the quiver that would prevent anything other than flat or small arrowheads from being placed in the quiver.
Usually in paintings, there is only one arrow per pocket in the rear part of the quiver. This could be explained if they each had a large head. The quiver may have been used differently in warfare and hunting. More arrows would have been carried and it is unlikely that whistling arrows were a high priority with ordinary bannermen.
Usually in paintings, there is only one arrow per pocket in the rear part of the quiver. This could be explained if they each had a large head. The quiver may have been used differently in warfare and hunting. More arrows would have been carried and it is unlikely that whistling arrows were a high priority with ordinary bannermen.