One of the most powerful ships of the ancient world, the Chinese junk ship is iconic for its bamboo-slatted sails and sophisticated design. This handmade model ship in natural finish is a historically accurate replica of the infamous ship used for commerce, military combat, piracy, and pleasure boating. Crafted through the traditional plank-on-frame method of construction, this 27-inch model is made from quality exotic woods like mahogany and teak. Each model takes more than 50 hours of work by master craftsmen to construct strip by strip. Sporting a natural finish and slim, curved proportions, this model is a refined incarnation of the classical Chinese sailing vessel. Fine details include main and mizzen masts, battened sails made from hand-stitched fabric, brass cannons and anchors, miniature lifeboats, canopy, open hatch, and multi-level wooden deck. Model comes with a sturdy wooden stand and metal nameplate.
History
A junk is a boat used in China. Junks usually have around two or three sails but sometimes have four. Each mast is made of bamboo. Bamboo is used because it is so strong that you don't need very many ropes. Very large junks (about 150 meters or 492 feet long) are usually used for worldwide trips. An average sized junk usually carries food from city to city. The first Chinese junks were built in the Song dynasty between 960-1270. Later, in 1271-1368 a Mongol emperor built the first Chinese imperial treasure fleets. These junks sailed to Sumatra, Ceylon, and southern India. The famous explorer, Marco Polo journeyed to the Mongol court and described seeing four-masted junks that had sixty cabins for merchants and crews of up to 300. About six centuries ago, the Chinese built huge armadas of junks that sailed to Ceylon, Arabia, and East Africa. The fleet had huge nine-masted junks that were over 400 feet long and 150 feet wide or 122 meters long and 46 meters wide. There were 27,000 crew members and soldiers in the armada! These junks were escorted by water tankers, supply ships, ships for cavalry horses, and patrol boats.
