Illustrated Explanation of the Chariot System in the Artificers' Record

Whenever an inch of the so-called felloe circumferenceOriginal: ya wei. This refers to the outer girth or thickness of the wooden segments—the felloes—that form the wheel's rim. is mentioned, it refers to the large circular perimeter that secures the felloe segmentsOriginal: jian ya. Literally "the braced teeth.". Generally, the measurement of any object's perimeter is called its "circumference." If the felloe circumference is 1 foot and 1 inch, then the width of the large circular surface of the felloe is also 1 foot and 1 inch. The width of the felloe is the same as the wheel heightOriginal: lun chong. The vertical diameter of the wheel.; it is measured from the inner side of the lacquered frame/spokes, taking the measurement directly across the component's body.

The RecordThe Kao Gong Ji (Record of Trades). further states: "Divide the felloe circumference into three parts and lacquer two of them." This refers to lacquering the two parts closest to the spokes, which measures 7 inches, 3 fenA decimal unit, roughly 1/10th of an inch., 3 li1/100th of an inch., and 3 hao1/1000th of an inch.. In ancient fractional methods, one would say "one-third of an inch." Today, we generally use the decimal method, establishing three places below the inch—fen, li, and hao—to analyze the value, so that the proportions are distinct and easily understood. The one part closest to the ground is not lacquered; its width is 3 inches, 6 fen, 6 li, and 6 hao.

This text from the Record is inherently clear and beyond doubt. Furthermore, when we calculate the dimensions based on the outer frameOriginal: guo. The structural casing or support for the wheel components. and the inner lacquered area, everything is consistent. Additionally, the "Chariot Makers" section notes that the wheel height of a large chariot is three keA unit of measurement based on a standard handle length. and six fen. One part of that wheel height constitutes the felloe circumference; applying this ratio provides further mutual proof. Ever since Master Zheng KangchengZheng Xuan (127–200 CE), the most influential Han dynasty commentator. The author argues that Zheng's specific interpretation of these measurements was unnecessarily confusing. provided his obscure commentary on the felloe circumference and the lacquering proportions, it has become the primary hurdle for anyone discussing chariot construction.