Ship model of a Chinese junk (Wuhan) - cargo junk, ‘maobanzi’
Beschreibung
Ship model of a cargo junk used for the transportation of coal. Loading capacity of 50 to 80 tons. Such ships, called ‘maobanzi’, carried coal from Shaoyang / Baojing / Paoking in Hunan to Wuhan. They were built of pinewood planks, rather roughly fastened to each other, barely enough to enable the ship to perform one single voyage. Reaching its destination the ship was completely broken up, the timbers were sold and the anchors, rudder and rig returned to Paoking. Up to 20% of these ships sunk during the journey to Wuhan. It is remarkable that the sail cloths in this case run horizontally rather than vertically, as usual.
Roughly built model, made of planks and transverse bulkheads. Flat bottom, fore and aft slightly rising and continuing in a steep, narrowing swim head, slightly curved inwards at the stern. Angular bilges, amidships straight board falling fore and aft against the swim head with something of a breech. On top of the board lies a rising, inclined, fore and aft tapering board. On top of it stands an upright bulwark on both stem and stern, respectively broadened with a small and larger piece. Two square scupper holes in the lower edge. Slight sheer. Circular bitts on the forebody. Behind the mast beam an open hold, covered with a cover in matting of bamboo leaves and laths. Behind the cover an open hold. Short stern cuddy board. Balanced rudder with square rudder blade. Foremast and mainmast rigged with reed sail, having seven separate transverse panels sewn together.