Short (about 55") maple-limbed, glass-faced and -backed recurve, simulating the configuration of many of the Mongol bows. When braced the recurved or reflexed limb ends are parallel to the string. Excellent cast but stacks some. Attractively finished.
These highly developed, asymmetrical bows (yumi) retain the simplicity, strength, and natural dignity of bamboo. The central core of the bow is a composite of bamboo and hardwood strips; bamboo laminations strengthen the back and belly. The bow is over 7í in length (varies with draw length) and is shaped into five curves. The grip is almost one-third of the way from the bottom of the bow. These bows are crafted by Don Symanski who studied in Japan under the Kanjuro Shibata family. The Shibata family has been making Yumi for more than 400 years. Naturally finished bamboo on back and belly. Belly finished with multiple coats of urushi, a traditional natural Japanese lacquer (a purified tree sap from the sumac family)
Beloved bow of the gods of India in classic double recurve design. At 72" long, the bow is made with bamboo facings over an inner core of bamboo and hardwood. Rounded at the riser to about 1" in diameter, wrapped in sting-ray skin. Unique flared limb tips and hand-rubbed finish. These bows can be made for a draw of up to 35". Shot directly off either the right or left hand, these bows are very much alive.
Design found from Northern China through South India and the steppes of Asia. A very narrow bow of double-curved slightly asymmetrical design made with water buffalo horn belly over a core structured the same way as the Japanese Yumi. The bamboo back can also be sinew-covered. 55" to 60" long. Uncannily fast and smooth, the bow also appreciates an archer knowledgeable in the use of a thumb ring. The sinew-backed bow is finished in sharkskin. Draw length of bamboo-backed bow is up to 30", and for sinew backed to 35".
Truly composite reproductions using traditional materials (sinew, wood, horn, and hide glues) and technology. When unstrung, some composite styles radically reflex backwards to the point of forming a "C" shape. Short, they nonetheless accommodate a fairly long draw and develop a powerful cast. Originally shot with a thumb ring. Three years to finish each bow. The bows demand specific training to string and use.
A bow of several styles, the most commonly known Chinese style is the design with the long static ears (12" long) and string bridges. Made from buffalo horn, a wood core (bamboo or mulberry) and sinew. The finished bow has a lacquered birchbark covering on the back. The horn belly is polished to a high gloss. Three years to finish.
Resembling the Millennium Bow, this bow is a double-curve, 58" to 60" long, made with a combination of Superflex Actionwood and bamboo with clear glass face. Grip, made with phenolic (resin-impregnated linen), is very narrow and without a window. Suitable for longer draw lengths.
Consistent-shooting, fast and smooth, hand-carved by Jaap Koppedrayer of YUMI in Ontario. Ideal for serious target shooters. Arrow is perfectly centered in sight window. Three limb laminations of Superflex Actionwood, backed with clear glass. Riser and overlays of tropical wood cocobolo, ebony, and others, or phenolic (resin impregnated linen). Phenolic enhances the feel of the bow in shooting and comes in various colors.
A double recurve with static ears (or limb ends). The form, made with contemporary materials, captures the traditional bow design used by the Mongolian horse archers during their conquest of parts of Asia and Europe. The limbs are combinations of Superflex Actionwood and bamboo. The grip and static ears are made with phenolic, with no stack or finger pinching. No sight window, so can be shot left- or right-handed. Draw length is 28" at any poundage.
The classic south Indian design masterfully developed over the years. Five curve, slightly asymmetrical, speckled bamboo on back and rare smoked bamboo on belly. Limb edges of contrasting cocabolo with three square segments of bamboo in core. About a dozen cane limb wraps with dark Japanese urushi coating. Black leather handle. Shoots left or right, small arrow shelves. May use thumb ring. 70" long, no glass. It speaks eloquently for itself.
By Master bowyer Bak Geuk-Hwan of Korea. Polished buffalo horn belly on bamboo core with sinewed back covered with birch bark. The centuries old, patient process is seen in the application of the horn to the core which requires 10 applications of fish bladder glue for 7 days for each bow. Very smooth and powerful, but its use requires training .