Ground Archery Target – 步靶 “Bù Bǎ”
Origin: China
Size according the Ming Dynasty
Width: 64 cm, Height: 192 cm
Size according the Qing Dynasty
Width: 90 cm, Height: 192 cm
Adaptation for T.A.I.:
Qing Dynasty Target
Shooting Distance: 80 m
6 arrows are to shoot
Dots = 4 points, Rest = 2 points,
miss = 0 points
Historical Background
Ritual Archery (禮射 Lǐ Shè) The examination system of traditional Chinese archery originated form over 3,000 years ago during the Shang and Zhou dynasties in the form of ritual archery. At that time, Confucian thought emphasized the cultivation of the gentleman through the “Six Arts” (rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, mathematics). Ritual archery itself embodied the elements of rites, music, and archery, conducted according to prescribed ceremonies and accompanied by music. Its distinctive feature was the integration of “martial archery skills” with “ritual education,” serving both to instruct the people and to select worthy individuals. We advocate the philosophical principles of “observing virtue through archery” and “when the shot misses, reflect upon oneself.”
Martial Imperial Examination (武科舉 Wǔ Kē Jǔ)
Ritual Archery (射禮 Lǐ Shè) developed into the Martial Imperial Examination during the Tang dynasty. In the year 702 CE, it was formally established by Empress Wu Zetian (武則天). The system continued through the Song and Ming dynasties, until it was finally abolished in 1901 by Emperor Guangxu (光緒帝) of the Qing dynasty. Throughout this entire period, the only dynasty not to hold the Military Imperial Examination was the Yuan dynasty.
| Tier | Titles of successful candidates | |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Examination (童試, Tóng Shì) | County, Prefecture, Academy | 秀才 (Xiù Cái) |
| Provincial Examination (鄉試, xiāng shì) | Provincial Capital | 舉人 (Jǔ Rén) |
| Metropolitan Examination (會試, huì shì) | Imperial Capital | 貢士 (Gòng Shì) |
| Palace Examination (殿試, diàn shì) | The emperor personally conducted the examination in the palace hall. | 進士 (Jìn Shì) |
Background of Ground Archery Target – 步靶 “Bù Bǎ”
This is the archery target used for foot‑archery examinations in the Martial Imperial Examination during the Ming and Qing periods.
Target of Ming Dynasty (明代)
Height: 192 centimetres, Width: 64 centimetres, shooting distance was 80steps = 128 meters
Target of Qing Dynasty (清代)
Height: 192 centimetres, Width: 90 centimetres, shooting distance was less than the one during the Ming Dynasty.
Excerpt from the research by Desmond Lau, TCAA Hong Kong and China
Adaptation for T.A.I.:
The Qing Dynasty target (192 x 90 cm) is shot at from a distance of 80 meters
Six arrows must be shot; scoring: bullseye 4 points, rest of the target 2 points. Max. Points are 24 .
