Replies

1. 
   NormInFujino | Dec 07, 2002 01:16am | #1

   I would think you'd need a book dealing specifically with Japanese bows; the traditional ones are made of take (bamboo), and aren't at all the same as Western longbows. Having said that, most Japanese bows today are made from fiberglass or carbon, since the traditional bamboo bows are very expensive and hard to keep in form (they're sensitive to humidity and temperature).

   View ImageView Image

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

1. 
   roly94 | Dec 07, 2002 01:40am | #2

   Norm,thanks for the response.Is that a Japanese bow in the picture?It doesn't look asymetrical.It looks more like a western style long bow.

    I have read they(Japanese bows) are made out of bamboo,however I was wanting to use elm.It obviously wouldn't be a traditional bow but,perhaps,it would be close.

    I noticed in the second or third volume of the Bowyer's bible they discuss Korean bows.It ought to go into Japanese bows as they are the most unique design there is among tradional style long bows.

    The asymetrical type bow has certain advantages,correct?Thanks tons,Roland.

1. 
   NormInFujino | Dec 07, 2002 12:32pm | #3

   The photos are both of Japanese bamboo bows I found here on the Internet (from archery equipment shops and makers here in Japan). I don't know much about them, and haven't ever shot one, so I couldn't remark on their efficiency or performance viz a viz Western longbows. I also know nothing about Korean bows, but wonder whether they were influenced at all by the Mongols, who used recurved designs reinforced with horn, according to what I've read (the Mongols successfully invaded Korea, but were pushed back from Japan).

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township