Huochong

Huochong (simplified Chinese: 火铳; traditional Chinese: 火銃) was the Chinese name for hand cannons.[1] The oldest confirmed metal huochong, also the first cannon, is a bronze hand cannon bearing an inscription dating it to 1298 (see Xanadu gun).[2]

Hand cannon from the Chinese Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368)

By the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) two types of huochong were in use. One was a hand held version with a wooden shaft known as a shouchong (手銃) whilst the larger Wankouchong (碗口銃 — bowl-mouthed cannon) or Zhankouchong (盏口銃 — cup-mouthed cannon)[3] rested on a supporting wooden frame. It was invented presumably as an advance in warfare, a new way to fight.

The Wankou Chong, translated literally as bowl-muzzle gun (Chinese: 碗口銃) was a type of Huochong gun used in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties.[4][5] The cannons normally contained black powder, a wooden block or frame to contain the powder, and a large cannonball or a group of smaller cannonballs. The cannon was most commonly used to protect Chinese ports and to defend against pirates.[6][7] The cannon faded out of use gradually due to its short barrel, slow rate of fire, and short range.

  • The Xanadu gun, 1298, is an example of a Wankouchong (碗口銃)
    The Xanadu gun, 1298, is an example of a Wankouchong (碗口銃)
  • Bronze cannon with inscription dated the 3rd year of the Zhiyuan era (1332) of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368); it was discovered at the Yunju Temple of Fangshan District, Beijing in 1935. It is similar to Xanadu gun.
    Bronze cannon with inscription dated the 3rd year of the Zhiyuan era (1332) of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368); it was discovered at the Yunju Temple of Fangshan District, Beijing in 1935. It is similar to Xanadu gun.
  • Replica of Ming dynasty cannons mounted on the opposite direction of a wooden frame, 1372.
    Replica of Ming dynasty cannons mounted on the opposite direction of a wooden frame, 1372.
  • Ming Bronze Gun, 1377 AD, Hongwu Emperor's reign.
    Ming Bronze Gun, 1377 AD, Hongwu Emperor's reign.
  • Drawing of a Chinese pole gun found in Java, 1421. It weighed 2.252 kg, length of 357 mm, and caliber of 16 mm. This gun features a rain cover connected with hinge, which is now missing. The hinge is still preserved.
    Drawing of a Chinese pole gun found in Java, 1421. It weighed 2.252 kg, length of 357 mm, and caliber of 16 mm. This gun features a rain cover connected with hinge, which is now missing. The hinge is still preserved.
  • Chinese hand cannon (Chong), dated 1424. Length 35.7 cm, caliber 15 mm, weight 2.2736 kg.
    Chinese hand cannon (Chong), dated 1424. Length 35.7 cm, caliber 15 mm, weight 2.2736 kg.
  • Ming copper cannon, 1450 AD.
    Ming copper cannon, 1450 AD.
  • A socketed Ming dynasty hand cannon, 1505, from the Zhengde Emperor's reign.
    A socketed Ming dynasty hand cannon, 1505, from the Zhengde Emperor's reign.

See also

References
  1. "Chinese Military Technology and Dai Viet: c. 1390-1497" (PDF). September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 20, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2010.
  2. "The World's Earliest Cannon (世界上最早的火炮)" (in Chinese). Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2010.
  3. Aung-Thwin, Michael Arthur (2011). New Perspectives on the History and Historiography of Southeast Asia: Continuing Explorations. Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 9781136819643.
  4. "Chinese-style Firearms in Dai Viet (Vietnam) The". studylib.net. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  5. Duan, Weicong. "Ming China As A Gunpowder Empire: Military Technology, Politics, And Fiscal Administration, 1350-1620". wustl.edu.
  6. "中国航海火器丨古代重型金属管型火器始祖——碗口铳_生活_澎湃新闻-The Paper". m.thepaper.cn. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  7. "洪武碗口銃（洪二十六）-數位典藏與學習聯合目錄(3049405)". catalog.digitalarchives.tw. Retrieved 2023-03-23.


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