Not everyone heard the word "junk."But those who heard it for the first time, probably wondering what it means.Few people know that the junk - a traditional Chinese ship that has a number of significant differences from the representatives of the European shipbuilding industry.The difference is noticeable, and at first glance, and further study of this unusual ship.
distinctive appearance
junks main difference from other ships is that feed this vessel is quite extensive and highly elevated.Simultaneously, the nose having a substantially rectangular shape, is rather low.Regardless of the destination, a traditional Chinese ship had a flat bottom.All this created a very unusual appearance junks, which effectively complement the original sails and traditional paintings on the sides and rear.As a rule, there is depicted mountains and clouds, as well as dragons and other mythical creatures.
Due to such a large number of characteristics of junk - this is probably the most recognizable vessel in the world and at the same time unique, as with traditional European ships used in most countries, it has very little in common.However, there are many varieties of this ship - according to some estimates, more than 300.
history
This name is reminiscent of the traditional American name is derived from the Malay word djong, which is a corruption of the word yuzhnominskogo dialect, meaning "vessel".In other words, junk - a ship than in fact it is.
old legend says that the first ship of this type was created by Heavenly Emperor Fu Hsi Chinese.He lived in the distant 29th century BC and was known for the fact that the inhabitants of the country has given the secret knowledge, contribute to the development of civilization.Not surprisingly, the Chinese junk revered peoples of the Far East and South-East Asia, like some living creature, having temper, character and charm.However, some historians tend to believe that the first junks appeared about 1000 years BC.
Despite the fact that China is less than many other countries have been interested in the study of distant parts of the ocean, the first sea-going ship came here.And it was junk.Its stability allows maneuvering in the open waters of all sizes, but the speed at the same time remained fairly small.
Unusual sail
For some, the most notable feature is its junks unusual case, and someone in the first drew attention to the sails.Mast on such a ship, usually between three and five.They are located horizontal bamboo poles, which are holders of unusual sails.General view of resembles a fan - both externally and folding system.
first sails were made of reed mats, making them very heavy, so the junk at the time was not suitable for a quick swim.But the need for this was not.But the strength of the material allows the sail to withstand even the strongest gusts of wind.Later, the mat has been replaced by tissue that increased rapidity and maneuverability.
At the end of the XIII century, China visited the Venetian merchant and traveler Marco Polo.He made a detailed description of the original Asian ship and was amazed by the fact that some junks in addition to the existing four masts could be mounted spare, you can deploy a few more sails.
military junks
What's junk for the Chinese?Often this transport or merchant ship.Much more rarely it was used for military purposes.Historians have noted an interesting fact: in the 16-17 th centuries from the Chinese coast showed up in Portuguese, the Dutch and the Japanese pirates.Instead of mobilizing troops and drive them away, the Chinese turned to ancient treatises, giving recommendations in this case.Not finding the answer to your question, the people of China have decided to leave things as they are.
However, what is junk, but the ship is ideal for military action?Stability of the ship allows you to set it between 5 and 7 a 12-pounders and a special bulwark that protected from bullets and arrows.At the same crew size reached 200 people and displacement - 200 tons.
Japanese junks
junks were created in Japan, somewhat different from the Chinese, including externally.Primarily distinguished curvature of the sides and raised high above the water feed, hangs over the wheel.
Unlike the Chinese, the Japanese junk - a ship with only one central mast, which is a narrow rectangular sail.Another small tilted mast located at the bow of the ship and probably could be cleaned if necessary.Another feature of Japanese junks is that beams - beams that form the basis of the deck - were outside the vessel, thus increasing the usable space under the cargo.
Modernity
Although junk was invented more than 3 thousand years ago, it is still relevant.The main reason - the perfect design for sustainability, capacity and maneuverability in shallow waters.For many years the ancient ship virtually unchanged, even now it is still the same medieval junk.Photo shows how little difference there is between ancient and modern ships.
Currently, the poor parts of China is forced to live on the junks, which is much cheaper than buying a home.The ship provides the fishermen with food and giving blood, so is quite a popular place to stay.Homeowners-junks prefer to settle in the rivers far away from big cities.The population in these floating villages can reach up to 80 thousand people, as, for example, in the city of Canton.In Hong Kong, the Chinese living on junks, too, quite a lot - about 12 thousand.Furthermore, currently junks used to attract tourists.
