Preliminary Attempts at Restoration of the Sung Dynasty Seagoing Vessel in Ch'uan-Chou Bay

Abstract

When the Sung dynasty seagoing vessel was unearthed in Ch'üan-chou Bay, the structure above the pi section (area between the two sides at the bottom of the vessel which was commonly called the "fan-shen", likewise below) was completely destroyed. Basically all that was left was the bottom section of a vessel. The keel was perfectly preserved; it had a joint [joining two sections] and an overall length of 17.65 m. The front section was joined by a tenon to a bow-post (i.e., the upright wood that ran at an angle from the bow of the vessel [down] to the main keel). The bow post was 4.50 m. long and was slanted at an angle of 65°. From the keel to the broken perimeters [of the hulk] on both sides were preserved fourteen planks; these fourteen hull planks were arranged into a five-step-shaped structure. The first through the fourth steps formed an oblique line, and each step protruded 5 cm., and each had three to four planks, all of which were overlapped in two layers. The fourth step planks had four rows which protruded 10 mm. and were structured in three layers. The fourth step was built along the straight line stretching from the first to the fourth step as it rose toward the vessel's surface. It was slightly arched. At the shou section (the bow, likewise below), in addition to the bow post, there was also preserved partial hull planks. At the wei section (the stern, likewise below) there was preserved the bottom half of the rudder mount as well as several stern hull planks. The diameter of the rudder cavity was 38 cm.; the mouth of the rudder cavity was 30 cm. across; the rudder post was angled at 22°. At the aft section were still preserved the remains of a piece of a capstan shaft. Although some hold bulkheads of the vessel were destroyed, the position of the thirteen holds was clearly visible. The walls of the eighth hold, which was relatively well preserved, were formed of lap tenons from the sixth cross plank, a total height of 1.98 m.; the tenon grove on the uppermost cross plank was still preserved, which makes clear that this point was not the uppermost. The watertight holes were all preserved, positioned in every hold wall contiguous with the location of the keel, and all used high-quality timber - they were made from camphorwood and cedar. Especially well preserved were the front and middle mast mounts in the first and the sixth holds.