Antique 17th - 19th Century Chinese Qing Dynasty Composite War Bow

Antique, 17th - early 19th century, gigantic, Chinese Qing dynasty, Composite War Bow of characteristic form. This type of the bow was used by Chinese, Mongols and Tibetan warriors during the 14th-19th century.
 
DETAILS: A composite bow made from several elements of horn, sinew and wood. Outer side covered with strips of dark water-buffalo horn, the inner side is covered with birch - bark, painted with stripes with the handle wrapped in cork on the middle bordered by shagreen. The ears are painted in white and applied with black horn nocks.
 
The process to make a composite bow was very long and complicated, different horn was used, wood, and sinew, and a correct balance between these different components provided a highly efficient bow, therefore, composite bows were very expensive compared to other weapons. The composite bows were a powerful weapon of the Mongols, Chinese, and Tatars armies. Since bows were very expensive and would not go out of fashion, or style, they were passed from father to son and were used by the next generations, so bows made in the 17th century were still used during the 19th century.
 
CONDITION: Showing the age and usage. Please notice that the pictures in the listing are part of the description of the condition of the object.
 
MEASUREMENTS
Overall length: from nock to nock: 128 cm (50 25⁄64 inches)
Height: 45.5 cm (17 29⁄32 inches)
 

REFERENCES: Similar bows are published in the books:
1. Chinese Arms And Armours - An Illustrated History.
2. The Path to Victory: Exhibition of the Art of War and Fine Antiques of the Ancient Chinese Military - Zhisheng zhidao: Sunzi bingma faji Zhongguo gudai junshi wenwu jingpinzhan.
3. Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet.
 
The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.