SOLD A very rare set of 11, authentic antique Chinese Qing dynasty, 17th - 19th century, large, war bow arrows. Each of the arrows is very well made with long, cylindrical, tapering shafts, with three broad goosequill fletchings/vanes, and large flattened steel head - blades bound with birch bark. 8 of the arrows has nocks, banded in ray fish - skin, the ray skin on 3 arrows lost. 9 of the arrows are inscribed on the cresting in Chinese characters, the inscription on 2 arrows is completely worn-out.

CONDITION: The arrows are in their original condition, as were acquired, free of repair or restorations. Signs of usage with some age wear, overall. Chinese writing worn and poorly visible, losses to the goosequill fletching and the birch wrapping around the heads, 3 shafts chipped on the nocks, 2 arrow shafts chipped near the heads.

MEASUREMENTS: The overall length of the longest arrow is: 102 cm (40.16 inches). The overall length of the shortest arrow is: 98 cm (38.58 inches).

The length of the steel heads are from 6.5 cm to 5.5 cm.

Link to An introduction to Manchu arrows:

http://www.manchuarchery.org/arrows

REFERENCES:

1. Chinese Arms And Armors - 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.