AS.1935.048.047

Block model of a Chinese junk (Chongqing) - ‘mayangzi’ junk

Ship model of a ‘mayangzi’ junk. Such junks, up to 90 feet in length, had a permanent crew of 8 persons. For the voyage upstream another 60 men were recruited to handle ‘yulohs’ and ‘sao’, and yet another 50 to track the ship. In order to conquer rapids an additional 300 to 400 workers were needed to track the ship against the current. It is striking that not a battened but a square sail was used, the clew of which was spread by a boom resting against the mast by means of a gaff. Such carrying of sails is typical of the smaller vessels on the upper Chang Jiang and its tributaries. Model built of two excavated half blocks and transverse bulkheads. Flat bottom. Forebody with somewhat rising swim head. Stern with somewhat rising, slightly broadening swim head. Rounded bilges and sides (also termed as ‘whale back’). Stretched sheer. Countersunk fore cuddy board with two transverse beams and mast beam. Stern with hull-covering superstructure, covered over with an arched wooden roof, the middle part (wheelhouse) being raised. Balanced rudder with rounded back. Mast with rectangular cotton cloth sail.

wood (plant material), cotton (fibre), straw (plant material)