Hand Cannon (Chong)
Unknown Artist
dated 1424
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
L. 14 1/16 in. (35.7 cm); Cal. .59 in. (15 mm); Wt. 5 lb. 0.2 oz. (2273.6 g)
Classification
Firearms
Culture
Chinese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2002
Accession Number
2002.560
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the riveting world of early firearms with this *Hand Cannon (Chong)*, a bronze masterpiece dated 1424 from Ming Dynasty China. Measuring just 14 inches long and weighing over 5 pounds, this portable weapon was designed for handheld use, bridging the gap between ancient fire lances and modern guns. Its .59-inch caliber made it a formidable tool on the battlefield, reflecting China's pioneering role in gunpowder technology since the 9th century. Crafted in bronze—a durable alloy prized for its casting properties—this cannon exemplifies advanced Chinese metallurgy. The smooth bore and ...