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Pair of Crossbow Holders (Cheng nu qi ) with Crossbow Ornament

China

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)

Not on view

Cheng nu qi were used to secure crossbows to chariots, ensuring their ready access by soldiers. They were usually made of bronze and occurred in pairs. The body of the holder assumed a flattened cylindrical shape. The front end extended upward into a hook, while the back end opened into a socket that attached to the front of the chariot car. (Revisit the chariot model in the first gallery to envision a mounted crossbow in use.) The present example is one of six pairs of crossbow holders excavated from the tomb of Prince Liu Sheng of Zhongshan. Its impeccable manufacture reveals the lavish tastes of Han nobles.

Pair of Crossbow Holders (Cheng nu qi ) with Crossbow Ornament, Bronze inlaid with gold and silver, China

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Pair of Crossbow Holders (Cheng nu qi ) with Crossbow Ornament, Bronze inlaid with gold and silver, China
Pair of Crossbow Holders (Cheng nu qi ) with Crossbow Ornament, Bronze inlaid with gold and silver, China
Pair of Crossbow Holders (Cheng nu qi ) with Crossbow Ornament, Bronze inlaid with gold and silver, China

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