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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Luchuan Crooked Stern Junk
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Luchuan Crooked Stern Junk

Artifact IDMO 1942.180.1
Object Type Model
Maker (British, 1890 - 1969)
Gifter
Mediumwood, rope, fabric, stone
Dimensionsoverall (model on base - dismantled) H 33 in x W 84 in x D 17 in (83.8 cm x 213.4 cm x 43.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA large model of a Chinese luchuan -- a crooked-stern junk brine boat -- used on the Upper Yangtse River to carry baskets of salt. The model was built to scale on a scale of one inch to one foot. The model is accompanied by a number of movable figures, furniture pieces, and accessories so as to depict day-to-day life on one of these boats. The model is mounted to a wooden base with carved Chinese characters.

Historical NoteThis model was built in China by George R. G. Worcester, an Assistant River Inspector. It was presented to President Roosevelt in 1942 by Sir Frederick Maze, Inspector General of the Chinese Maritime Customs Service and Administrator of the Lighthouse Department. This unique type of junk, unchanged for centuries, was designed with a crooked stern probably to permit two steering sweeps to navigate the treacherous rapids of the Yangtse from Tzeliutsing to Fouchou.
Additional Details
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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