Description:

East Asia, China, Warring States Period, ca. 475 to 221 BCE. A bronze crossbow trigger mechanism with good movement of its components. Also two modern replica brass crossbow bolts. The crossbow originated in China during the Warring States period, with some able to be fired with one hand (where this mechanism likely came from) and others made to be mounted on a movable base. The power of this weapon led to the ascendancy of the Han Dynasty. Size of mechanism: 2.45" W x 1.5" H (6.2 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York

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#140005

  • Condition: A few small losses to the bronze on the peripheries. Bolts are modern replicas.

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March 19, 2020 10:30 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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