Matchlock Gun (清 鳥銃)

Chinese

Not on view

Matchlock guns, of both European and Turkish origin, were probably introduced into China in the early sixteenth century through sea and overland trade. Otherwise typical in its form, this gun is unusual for the lavish silver decoration running the length of its barrel, suggesting it was the personal weapon of a nobleman, either for hunting or military use.

Matchlock Gun (清  鳥銃), Steel, wood, copper, brass, iron, silver, gold, Chinese

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