Chinese folding bow with original string 19th century

 A chinese folding bow or travelling bow. Of recurved form, cut in half which enables the construction of the bow to be seen most interestingly – core of wood with bone to the back and horn to the front face. Fitted with a hinge to the centre which makes the bow able to be braced into a fully useable bow. The thick sinew bowstring can then be looped over the nocks to privide the tension. The bow is imply decorated, with blue paint to the front and applied stencils of flowers and other decoration. Green leather ott he centre and nock pads. There is a charming painted face to each of the nocks which makes the bow a very individual piece. The  bow has been left strung over the years which has resulted in a degree of warpage to one side. 19th century Qing.