| Article number: | 10.03.046 |
A fishing junk from Shantou (Swatow) is a type of traditional Chinese fishing vessel originating from the city of Shantou, formerly known as Swatow, located in Guangdong province in South China. These fishing boats were of great importance to the region's fishing industry and are characterised by their robust construction and specific design suitable for the shallow waters and coastal areas of South China.
Design:
Flat-bottomed: The fishing junk often has a flat bottom, meaning the boat has a relatively flat underside, ideal for navigating shallow waters such as the coastal waters of Shantou.
Double bow: These boats often have a double bow (at both the front and back), which makes them particularly stable and suitable for sailing in shallow and often rough waters.
Sails and engines: Traditionally, fishing junks from Shantou were powered by sails, but from the 20th century onwards, they were increasingly equipped with diesel engines for extra power and speed.
Purposes:
Fishing: The fishing junks were primarily used for fishing and catching fish and seafood. They were designed to carry large nets and fishing equipment, allowing them to fish in the open sea, but also to operate near the coast.
Trade and transport purposes: In addition to fishing, these boats were sometimes also used for transporting goods, both for domestic trade and for trade to other coastal areas.
Building materials:
Previously, fishing junks were usually built from wood, but later models were sometimes also built with iron or steel to make them stronger and more durable. The traditional wooden design was well suited for the tropical and subtropical waters around South China.
Professional fishermen and culture:
Fishing junks from Shantou were often crewed by families of fishermen who passed down their knowledge of the sea and fishing techniques from generation to generation. These boats are therefore not only a symbol of the local economy but also of the cultural traditions and daily life of the fishing communities in the region.
Historical importance:
Shantou was an important commercial centre in South China, especially during the 19th century, when it became one of the so-called "treaty ports" after the Treaty of Nanking (1842) after the First Opium War. The fishing junks played an important role in the local economy by supporting both fishing and trade.
A fishing junk from Shantou (Swatow) is a type of traditional Chinese fishing vessel particularly well adapted to the shallow waters of the coastal areas in South China. They are robust, versatile, and hold profound cultural and economic significance for the region. Today, they are still considered an important part of the region's maritime heritage.
Specifications :
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Drawing number |
10.03.046 |
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Author |
W.Asbach |
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Description |
Fishing Junk from Shantou (Swatow) |
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Quality |
general plan; sp/lines; sections; rigging plan; details; description |
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Scale |
1 : 24 |
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Number of sheets A00 |
0 |
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Number of sheets A0 |
3 |
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Number of sheets A1 |
0 |
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Number of sheets A2 |
0 |
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Number of sheets A3 |
0 |
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Number of sheets A4 |
0 |
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Total number of drawing sheets |
3 |
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Number of A4 text sheets |
2 |
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Weight in grams |
275 |
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Special features |
a description in English and Dutch (transl. Ebe de Jong) is included. |