Bo of Mount Zhongqu, named1667 historical plate
Actual1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Equine quadruped with conspicuous teeth and claws; printed caption gives white body, black tail, one horn, tiger teeth/claws, drum voice, tiger/leopard diet and Mount Zhongqu. Distinct from river Bo canvas34. Smithsonian catalog dates1667/public domain.
Overview
Bo of Mount Zhongqu resembles a horse with a white body, black tail and one horn. It has tiger teeth and claws, and its voice sounds like a drum. It eats tigers and leopards. The Shanhaijing also attributes protection against weapons or warfare to this creature.
Its written name駮 and predatory anatomy distinguish it from the white river horse𩣡馬 of Duntou Mountain. Attached commentary interprets the protective use in terms of keeping the animal. The mountain contains jade, realgar and precious metals, alongside a tree whose fruit is said to give strength.
Origins & earliest records
China; Shanhaijing Western Mountains
Records & interpretation
Specific named received-primary passage directly read; historical illustration matching remains separate.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Shanhaijing, Western Mountains
Fourth western itinerary; Mount Zhongqu
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Shan hai jing: er shi san juan (Smithsonian digitized edition)
Physical volume2; creature illustration sequence. IIIF canvas index28 (zero based), labelled 駮; no printed page number asserted
Actual 1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Equine quadruped with conspicuous teeth and claws; printed caption gives white body, black tail, one horn, tiger teeth/claws, drum voice, tiger/leopard diet and Mount Zhongqu. Distinct from river Bo canvas34. Smithsonian catalog dates 1667/public domain.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary text transcriptionShanhaijing Western Mountains received primary textResearch access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationBo of Mount Zhongqu, named1667 historical plate
Actual1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Equine quadruped with conspicuous teeth and claws; printed caption gives white body, black tail, one horn, tiger teeth/claws, drum voice, tiger/leopard diet and Mount Zhongqu. Distinct from river Bo canvas34. Smithsonian catalog dates1667/public domain.
