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

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西汉 青铜错金银承弩器一对及弩柎饰
  • Title: Pair of Crossbow Holders (Cheng nu qi ) with Crossbow Ornament
  • Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze inlaid with gold and silver
  • Dimensions: a, b: crossbow holders (each): L. 4 13/16 in. (12.3 cm)
    c: zigzag ornament: H. 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm); W. 1 in. (2.6 cm): L. 2 3/8 in. (6.1 cm)
  • Classification: Weaponry
  • Credit Line: Lent by Hebei Provincial Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art