Zheng He Treasure Ship Model Ship

The Zheng He was a Chinese Treasure Ship in the fleet of Admiral Zheng He.

About the Zheng He Treasure Ship wooden scale Model Ship

This model ship of the Zheng He Treasure Ship was custom built from the following information:

• The original construction drawings.

About the construction of the Zheng He Treasure Shim wooden scale Model Ship

• The hull is built using the Double Plank-on-Bulkhead construction method
• The bulkheads and keel are cut from marine grade pine plywood
• The first layer of planking is done plank by plank using Mahogany planks
• The second layer of planking is done using Mahogany Veneer strips
• The deck is made of Anagre, a light brown timber from the Amazon
• The hull is sheathed with real copper plates below the waterline
• The gunwale and stringers are made of American Walnut
• The fife rails and pin racks are made of American Walnut
• The deckhouses and gangways are made of Teak
• The masts and yards are made of Mahogany dowels
• The sails and ropes are made of linen
• The model is painted with acrylic paint
• The ornaments are cold cast in bronze and painted

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History of the Zheng He Treasure Ship

The Chinese Treasure Ship was a large wooden ship in the fleet of Admiral Zheng He, during the early 15^th century Ming Dynasty. He led 7 voyages.   There seems to be disagreement among scholars about the factual accuracy and correct interpretation of accounts of the treasure ship. Treasure ships were considered luxury ships rather than warships.

According to some records, Zheng He’s treasure ships were mammoth ships with 9 masts and 4 decks. Zheng He’s treasure ships could accommodate more than 500 passengers, as well as a massive amount of cargo.

Zheng He’s fleet consisted of 300 ships, including 62 treasure ships. Chinese records assert that Zheng He has traveled extensively, sailing as far as East Africa.

On the return of Zheng He’s last voyage, he found a new Emperor whose court was uninterested and even hostile toward the continuation of his naval adventures. Zheng He’s ships were decommissioned and sat in the harbor until they rotted away. Some scholars suggest that the Emperor ordered the treasure ships and records to be burned, although exact information on their fate is unknown.

A replica of Zheng He’s treasure ship was built in Nanking and was to be ready for sailing in 2013.

Member of The Nautical Research Guild

Learn more about the Zheng He Treasure Ship: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zheng_He