Chinese junk. The junk is the history and pride of the Chinese fleet. Characteristic appearance

China is a country with a thousand-year-old civilization, and we have information about its ships, although not very detailed, gleaned from Marco Polo's Milione. However, due to the fact that sailing ships - military and commercial - in the West were more or less similar, we can assume that the situation in the Far East was the same. The Chinese junk, which continued to be used until the end of World War II, was approximately 164 feet (50 m) long, 46-49 feet (14-15 m) wide and had five masts with rectangular mat sails. The front masts and the second mast from the stern could be retracted to reduce windage, and other sails had their own reefing system. The hull was shaped like a dinghy (a non-self-propelled flat-bottomed vessel with simplified contours for transporting cargo on the upper deck) and had a rectangular outline (almost not pointed at all to the bow or stern, and both ends had transoms (i.e. ending flat, like cut off, vertical wall). The junk had a long quarterdeck and one large rudder. For maneuvering with sails, a special platform was provided on the rear mast, protruding beyond the transom stern edge. Judging by the engravings of the 16th century, battle junks of that time had only two masts with sails attached to two spars (lugger, or voyage sail), high bulwarks, a covered poop and something like a ram on the bow.

Unlike the Chinese junk, the hull of the Japanese junk was more compact and had a much more pronounced curvature of the sides, although it had a straight, steeply inclined stem and a stern raised high above the water. It hung over the steering wheel, being a structural part of the ship’s hull, and not like a small balcony on a Chinese

junk. The ship had only one deck without a forecastle or poop, like modern European ships. The spar and rigging were very simple and did not inherit the five masts of the Chinese junk. In the middle of the ship there was only one high mast, armed with a narrow rectangular sail and reinforced with one strong stay (stay) at the front and two at the rear. Further on the bow there was another small mast tilted forward, which, like on galleys, did not rest against a socket on the keel, but was attached only to the deck; this circumstance suggests that it could have been omitted. Note that the beams (beams of the transverse frame of the ship, connecting the side branches of the frames and forming the base of the deck flooring) of the main deck protrude from both sides over the sides, increasing the width of the deck and thus providing more space for cargo. The junk has only one rather large rudder, operated by a long tiller (a lever for steering). The sails were woven, not woven mats.

In Korea there were mixed sailing and rowing vessels, the descriptions of which at our disposal are sufficiently detailed to reconstruct them in all details. They were known as "shell ships" or "turtle ships" by Admiral Yi Sun Chin, who used them in the war of 1592-1598. against Japan.

These vessels had a raft-like hull with a transom bow and stern and an unusual superstructure located at the rear, protruding overboard on both sides. The ship had two sails of the same type as on junks. In addition to this, it had from nine to ten oars on each side, arranged almost vertically and without Western-style rowlocks, so that they were handled completely differently from the oars on Mediterranean galleys. A remarkable feature of these ships, from which they got their name, was the presence of a protective tortoise-like shell above the main deck, which stretched along the entire hull, with the exception of the stern ledge. This shell was covered with metal plates with iron spikes, so it was completely impossible to board the ship. Armament consisted of four-inch (19 cm) bronze side guns and four small cannons, two at the front and two at the rear above the transom. These ships were 116.4 feet (33.5 m) long and 27.8 feet (8.5 m) wide on deck.

Although this vessel is considered traditionally Chinese, for a long time it was popular not only in China, but also in the waters of Southeast Asia, being widespread in Japan and Vietnam. In the famous Vietnamese bay you can still see these traditional boats, now used exclusively for tourist purposes.

According to Chinese legends, the first junk was created by the semi-mythical ruler of China - Fu Hsi, who was called the “Heavenly Emperor”. According to legend, he gave his people secret knowledge that contributed to the formation of a powerful Chinese civilization.

Therefore, it is not surprising that many peoples of Southeast Asia saw the elegant Chinese junk as a living creature - frightening and fascinating, with its own character. Researchers believe that the first junks appeared somewhere around 1000 BC, so it is quite fair to call them one of the most ancient.

Features of the Chinese junk

The literal translation of the name of this Chinese boat means nothing more than “ship”. Among other traditional boats, the junk stands out with its slightly lowered, almost rectangular bow and wide, raised stern, and a massive rudder replaces the keel on this vessel.

The sails for such a vessel (most often either 3 or 5 masts) were made of mats and secured to bamboo yards in the form of a quadrangle. Possessing an unusual shape resembling a fan, similar to it, they could easily be rolled into a scroll if necessary.

The heavy reed mat used to create the junk's sails affected the speed of the vessel's movement across the water, but at the same time could withstand even the strongest gusts of wind without damage. Later, the mats were replaced with cloth, which significantly increased the speed of these Chinese boats.

On many ships, if there were 4 masts, there could be additional ones, on which more sails could always be placed. At the same time, the traditional Chinese junk was equipped with many special mechanisms and winches, which made it easy to control all the sails even with a small crew of the vessel.

Japanese junks, most often used for transporting goods, although in many ways resembled traditional Chinese ones, had significant differences in the availability of masts. The Japanese usually installed one central mast on their ships, on which a narrow rectangular sail was attached, and one removable one on the bow of the ship.

The junk usually had a flat bottom, and its sides were decorated with traditional designs with fearsome dragons and other mythical creatures. Such originality made this Chinese vessel completely different from the usual European vessels plying the seas, and at the same time the most recognizable among other traditional boats. However, there were up to three hundred varieties of Chinese junk.

Conquering any water expanses

Chinese junks were distinguished by excellent stability and maneuverability, so they could easily plow through any waters. This vessel can be described as designed for river-sea transition, with a greater emphasis on river conditions. Nevertheless, even though such ships did not develop high speed, they managed to reach the coast and India. In the Middle Ages, Chinese junks were used for long sea crossings in military campaigns. The length of such ships was at least 40 m.

One of the most famous junks is the Hong Kong Khayin. In the mid-19th century, she became the first Chinese boat to round the Cape of Good Hope and anchored in the port of New York, from where she continued to England, where Queen Victoria herself stepped aboard this ship, unusual for European eyes.

Modern junks

Although the junk is one of the oldest ships, it still remains relevant in many countries of Southeast Asia, although it is most often used for tourism purposes. The design of these traditional Chinese boats has hardly changed, but the comfortable conditions have become much greater, and innovative technologies are increasingly being used in the development of such vessels.

Modern junks in some regions of Vietnam are like floating houses for local residents and original hotels for tourists. Most often, junks are inhabited by fishermen who can calmly engage in their main fishery. Many owners of such floating houses prefer to settle near large cities. For example, in Hong Kong alone, about 12 thousand Chinese live on junks.

Distinctive features of the junk are sails made of bamboo yards and mats in the shape of a quadrangle, as well as a raised bow and stern. The sails can be rolled up like blinds. A massive rudder replaces the keel. The number of masts reaches five.

The exact time of invention of junks is unknown; during the Han Dynasty they were already widespread. In the early Middle Ages, junks were used for military purposes, even then sailing into the waters of Indonesia and even India.

Over time, junks came into use throughout East Asia and began to be used for long sea crossings. In 1846-1848, the 800-ton Hong Kong junk Khayin rounded the Cape of Good Hope and became the first Chinese ship to anchor in the New York roadstead. In England, Queen Victoria herself visited this curiosity.

With the transfer of the military fleet to steam power, the junk retained its significance as a highly maneuverable cargo ship. In some areas of Vietnam, junks are used as floating housing.

Junk Halong Bay Vietnam.jpg

Modern Vietnamese junk.

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Notes

View this template Types of sailing ships



The Ancient East

Ancient Greece

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Mediterranean Sea

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Near East

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Battle Line

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Sailing and rowing

Merchant and cargo ships

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Sailing

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A typical Chinese boat, it was mostly used in the eastern seas as a cargo ship. This prefabricated model of the ship differs from a trading junk in the presence of weapons (10 guns) and a hull reinforced with very strong waterproof bulkheads. A large and efficient rudder, together with a standard set of sails, are typical of all junks.

Drawing of a junk

Drawing of this Chinese junk made on a sheet of approximately 90x70 cm format. It includes full-scale views of the side, top, stern, blueprints frame parts and a couple of photos of the finished model. The scale of the drawing is 1:100, which gives the length of the finished model 40 cm. In addition to drawing Comes with 8-page assembly instructions. Instructions in English. Basic materials needed to build a model for this drawing: plywood 4 and 1 mm thick; linden slats 1x5 mm, walnut slats 1x3 mm, light threads 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mm, guns 20 mm long (article AM4167, quantity 10 pieces).

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This publication is dedicated to warships of China, Korea, Japan and other countries of Southeast Asia. During the period described, there was a noticeable improvement in military technology, which gave very impressive results.

Few people know that the fleet of ancient China used bombs, sea mines, an analogue of “Greek fire” and paddle wheel propulsion.

If the dear reader decides to build a junk, he will not have any technical problems. The fact is that over the centuries the design of the junk has been honed to perfection and elevated to the canon. Minimal deviations from the canon are permissible, but they should not contradict the basic principles of the design. Construction methods varied depending on the site of construction and the type and size of the junk, but in general the construction process followed a stereotypical process.

At the first stage of construction, bottom boards were laid on top of the keel. The boards were connected using forged iron brackets, forming an integral shield. Then, along the entire length of the bottom, transverse ribs were installed at the necessary intervals and secured to the bottom. Carpenters worked without rulers. The bottom boards were cut along a stretched rope. Then the boards of the side sheathing were laid, pulled together with ropes and nailed. Deck beams, usually made of hard wood, were cut into the top board of the side. Next, frames were installed, consisting of two or three parts connected into a lock and secured with thick nails. The bow and stern were constructed in a similar way, their design differing somewhat in different regions of the country. After the hull was ready, the deck was laid. The gaps between the sheathing boards were caulked. For this purpose, a mixture of lime and wood oil was used. The resulting mixture hardened within 48 hours, forming a waterproof layer.

Khmers (Cambodians) and Chams (Vietnamese) fight on the river, period of the uprising under Jayavarman VII, 11 81.

In 1177, the Champa king Jaya Indravarman invaded Cambodia. The Vietnamese fleet moved along the sea coast, and then went up the river to the Cambodian capital of Angkor. The city was sacked and the Chams occupied Cambodia. Four years later, the future Cambodian king Jayavarman VII rebelled against the invaders. He defeated the Chams in a decisive battle in 1181. This epic river battle is depicted in bas-reliefs carved on the walls of Barteay Chmara and Bayon in Cambodia. This depicts the moment when Cham and Khmer war longboats engaged in a boarding battle in the middle of the river. The bows of the boats are decorated with grotesque monster faces. There are archers and spearmen on board the boats. Soldiers from opposing sides can be distinguished, as the Khmers walk around with their heads uncovered, while the Chams wear distinctive headdresses. All oarsmen sit facing the stern, only on the longboat of the Khmer king the oarsmen are turned to face the bow and row with yullo oars. The royal rowers have no protection, so they demonstrate personal courage. On ordinary longboats, the oarsmen are covered with long shields through which the oars are threaded. The longboats, approaching each other, showered each other with arrows, and then threw grappling hooks tied to rattan ropes. In the center of the Khmer longboat, under an umbrella, stands an officer who directs the actions of the crew. Soldiers on both sides are armed with long spears and shields. A soldier who falls into the water immediately becomes prey for crocodiles.

Seagoing trading junks were built in large numbers throughout the Song and Yuan dynasties. A Chinese junk is depicted in a bas-relief at Angkor Thom in Cambodia, dated 1185. Ships of a similar design were used by the Mongols as warships during their overseas campaigns. We find an image of Mongol junks on the Mongol Invasion Scroll, dedicated to the Mongol campaigns in Japan in 1274 and 1281. Additional information about junks is provided to us by Marco Polo, who was in China between 1275 and 1292. Among other things, Marco Polo notes that junks have one deck with small superstructures, a large rudder and four masts. Marco Polo also notes that Chinese junks had watertight bulkheads - a thing completely unknown in Europe. “So if by chance the side is breached in one place, for example, if the ship hits a rock or is struck by a whale... water will not penetrate from one hold to the other.”