Curved Plow

The curved plow, also known as the Jiangdong plow, is an agricultural tool invented by the laboring people of the Tang Dynasty in China. Its name derives from the curved design of its shaft, contrasting with the traditional straight-shaft plow. The curved plow was first promoted in the Jiangdong region (now Jiangsu and Zhejiang), hence the name Jiangdong plow. The emergence of the curved plow signifies the maturation of ancient Chinese farming tools. Before its advent, primary farming tools were primitive plows, and it wasn’t until the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods that the use of animal-powered plows began to spread in some areas. Before the Tang Dynasty, the long straight-shaft plow was cumbersome to maneuver and laborious to use. Through extensive production practice, the laboring people of Jiangnan improved upon earlier inventions to create the curved plow. It is a traditional farming implement primarily used for plowing and turning the soil. Its unique design and structure played an important role in agricultural production. The curved plow, pulled by draft animals such as oxen or horses, cuts and turns the soil with its plowshare. Its curved design reduces soil resistance during plowing, thus enhancing efficiency.