Ship models the Empress Dowager Ci Xi sent to the
Belgian's World's Fair Expo.
"Exposition Universelle de Bruxelles 1910"
In this model, we find a fire-wok hanging from
poles at the stern,
with fresh made spear tips leaning against the handrail
and wooden anchors hanging from the bow.
Also paintings along it's entire length.
The Qing Empire had lost many battles with the
Western Powers since the 1840s. Despite the shame and aggravations, there were still
cultural exchanges, though very few, between China and the West. After
discussing the World Expo matters with the top officials of China, Empress Dowager
approved a shipment of 86 ship-models, primarily made by historians and craftsmen, of
different kind of junks, different applications, junks made in different ship-yards from
all over China, and sent a delegation to attend the World Expo in Brussels, Belgium in
1910.
6 swivel Deck Cannons; 2 forward, 2 mid-ship and 2
a stern,
with a woven rudder (fenestrated), metal handrails at the stern,
masts with shrouds and a stern post (sprit) to handle the mizzen.
Looks like the rudder may be hanging from the sprit as well.
Their historical accuracy was of the utmost
importance, they were representing their country.
Junks were painted with eyes, so they could see at
night, in the fog and in bad weather.
Hopefully protecting the crew and cargo from any dangers they could not see.
But before the Expo, the Wuchang Revolution brought
down the Qing Empire, the officials leading the delegation found they had no imperial
government to represent and they left hastily for the next boat back to the East, leaving
behind the ship-models they were supposed to show.
Retractable anchor blades, bowsprit and a second
type of woven rudder.
The slots in the rudder were designed to make it easier for the operator to handle.
The ship models have been in Antwerp for the past
100 years.
Square sails, windlass used for sail and anchor,
and a retractable rudder.
With red painted on the bow and stern and again the eye to see.
The 86 ship-models are kept in the Maritime Museum
in Belgium.
Recently, around 20 of these models were lent to an exhibit for the Taiwan exhibition.
Hand cranked windlass and capstan, with holes in
keel to help relieve broaching
and a raised stern for following seas, with a rudder that can be raised for shoal waters.
An attempt will be made, some time in the future, to
revisit Antwerp and acquire more photographs.
A cabin with windows? A bowsprit with a windlass
spanning it?
One things for sure, a third type of woven rudder (fenestrated rudder).
A metal grapnel anchor is shown here on this flat fronted barge.
With the rudder fully aft and a bulkhead for the helmsman's support.
If we could acquire the images of all 86 models,
we'd
have a richer understanding of what to look for, when scouting out perspective wreck
sites.
A pair of Admiralty type anchors hang from the bow of this Junk.
Does anyone recognize the partially covered flag on the center mast?
All indications are that this was some sort of officials vessel.
There were over 300
ships in Zheng He's Armada. These 10 models represent just a small sampling
of the diverse aspects of Junk construction.
Notice the capstan located on the center-aft-section of the deck.
A couple of knowledgeable advisors, suggested the capstan was used for fishing nets.
The wooden handles are called "handspikes".
Different artifacts
found in the Caribbean, closely match those of the two models above.
One example here, waits for us to prove it's origins.
Model of a Treasure Junk or "SuperJunk"
as it's also known.
It too, shows a capstan on deck, next to the sign, and it looks to be metal.
Thank you Cedric Bell.
In the Caribbean.
Example of a SuperJunk's stone anchor.
The model above is on exhibit in the Quanzhou Maritime Museum.
Notice the dragon, carries the "Pearl of Wisdom" in it's mouth.
Model of the Emperor Zhu Di (Yongle)' dragon boat.
A thousand thank you's to Madam Ding Yuling, Deputy Curator of the
Quanzhou Maritime Museum.
And a big thank you goes out to Frank Lee, in Hong Kong, for all his help.
View the animation of a "Treasure Junk" produced by NOVA
Asian maritime & trade chronology to 1700 CE
A Rudder from a "SuperJunk"
If you have any images you'd like to share, please forward them to
my email link below.
Thank you.
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