1. Global overview

The following list is an overview of Chinese bow terminology as found in the Wuti Qingwen Jian (五體清文鑑) or "Five languages compendium", a Qing imperial dictionary in Manchu, Mongolian, Uighur, Tibetan, and Chinese of circa 1790. Published under the Qianlong emperor.

 

Qing bow glossary

#
 

English
 

Chinese
 

Pinyin
transliteration

 

  Bow Gōng
1. Bow grip 弓弝 Gōngbà
2. Sides of bow grip 弓弝膀子 Gōng bà bǎngzi
3. Arrow slipping spot 箭溜子 Jiàn liūzi
4. Bow ear 弓弰 Gōng shāo
5. Tip 弰頭 Shāo tóu
6. String notch 扣子 Kòuzi
7. String bridge 弓墊子 Gōng diànzi
8. Bow knee (lit. "brain") 弓腦 Gōng nǎo
9. Painted birch bark 畫樺皮 Huà huà pí
10. Bow face 弓面 Gōng miàn
11. Bowstring 弓弦 Gōng xián
12. Bowstring knot 弦挌搭 Xián gé dā

 

2. Qing bow anatomy

Qing bow in parts

 

#
 

English
 

Chinese
 

Pinyin transliteration
 

1. Bow core 弓胎 Gōng tāi
2. Bow core two bodies 弓胎兩身 Gōng tāi liǎng shēn
3. Bow ear male tenon 弓弰挿口 Gōng shāo chākǒu
4. Bow ear female tenon     弓弰挿口凹處 Gōng shāo chākǒu āo chù
5. Sinew Jīn

 

 

 

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An exceedingly rare set with fine mother of pearl inlaid string board

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A very rare Chinese saber guard dating from the height of the Qing dynasty.

€1500,-

Of classic shape, with a leaf-shaped blade on a socket, connected by a cast bronze base.

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Its blade with very fine and complex pamor, brought out by a polish.

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A standard pattern Qing military saber, but with the rare addition of a label in Manchu.

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€450,-