from China

Model, of sea-going junk

This wooden model is of a three-masted Chinese sea-going junk. Junks carry trade and can either be sea-going or used on rivers. Their ancient design is still popular today as they are strong, efficient sailing vessels.

The model is carvel-built i.e. the planks of the hull are fastened edge to edge. The painted hull has a flat bottom and a sharply curved bow and stern. The model is fully decked with hatches and a deckhouse at the after end. The distinctive mat sails, fixed to top and bottom booms and stiffened by battens, may have developed from the square sail. A painted dragon decorates the stern-piece and there is an 'eye' on either side of the bows. The junk is also equipped with a rudder and an anchor.

The largest junks regularly traded in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. In 1837, a junk sailed from Canton to New York and later continued on to London. Today, they still carry on much of the commerce between Chinese ports.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-002-036-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland T.1931.L.11
Date:	Model: around 1931; Original: Before 1931
Material:	Wood
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What:	Ship / junk / model / stand
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Description:	Model of a Chinese three-masted junk, on a three-part stand
References:	Idiens, Dale. Ethnographic Boat Models in the Royal Scottish Museum. Edinburgh: A catalogue of traditional watercraft from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum Information Series, 1984, p 7.
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