Wubei Zhi, Volume 120

The Creation’s Cycle Cannon

original: "Zaohua Xunhuan Pao." "Zaohua" refers to the creative forces of nature or the universe, while "Xunhuan" indicates a cycle or rotation. This likely refers to the weapon's ability to rotate on its pivot for multi-directional firing.

Touchhole
original: "yaomen," literally "powder gate." This is the small hole where the fuse is inserted to ignite the internal propellant.

Iron ring Front sight
The "front sight" (original: "zhaoxing," or "shining star") indicates a sophisticated level of marksmanship integration, allowing the gunner to align the barrel accurately with a target.

An iron pivot two inches long is used in the middle
original: "zhong yong tie yang chang er cun." This pivot or axle is the mechanical heart of the "cycle" design, allowing the cannon to swivel on its tripod mounting.

Creation's Cycle CannonA tripod-mounted firearm from the Ming Dynasty designed for versatility. The use of a "front sight" and a central "pivot" suggests this was a precision instrument compared to earlier, more static heavy artillery.