An important part of the Qing Imperial military equipment is the bow case and quiver. Archery was considered one of the obligated practices within the Elite Manchu warrior ranks. The imperial guard of the emperor consisted of elite officers which protected the emperor in the forbidden city and beyond and were qualified Manchu archers. Their quivers (called ‘Jebele’ meaning; right hand) vary in shape and colour, some Tibetan inspired, some more Mandarin and often depicting auspicious symbols and lavishly decorated to suit their full attire. Imperial guard quivers and bowcases show a variety in colors, red was worn when the emperor was riding out of the palace towards Yuanmingyuan and for hunting outdoors. On special occasions, like festivals, they wore black. Another colour is the typical blue ‘suozijia’ pattern which was only meant for the highest ranks.
The quiver consists of a wooden base, covered in red (maroon) velvet and leather. The entire piece is decorated with fire gilded bronze fittings depicting a symmetric floral design. On top front, we see three ‘Shou’ 寿 symbols which stands for triple longevity. Beneath we sea a wheel in leather with a central dome surrounded by cylindrical floral studs. The inside is covered in bright red fabric in which the regular arrow were placed. On the back of the quiver, a smaller three-piece side quiver was attached to fill with special designed arrows.
The bow case is similar in decoration, made of thick leather, covered in maroon velvet. All ends are covered in thick black leather with a light stitching and the top and center are decorated with similar fire gilded fittings depicting foliage. An interesting part of the bow case is the saber ring through which the saber was hung to swiftly swap from bow to sword.
