Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Clock |
Catalog Number |
84.71 |
Collection |
Timepiece |
Other Name |
Japanese Lantern Clock |
Date |
1875-1899 |
Description |
late 19th century Yagura Dokei 1-12 Repeat, Wood Stand. large balance wheel hung from thread. Two weights. Mvt overhauled c 1981. Solid panel in base has been added since original donation. The word yagura actually means tower or turret, and it is so named because, as the story goes, the 16th century emperor Iyeyasu placed a clock of this type in a tower of Fushimi Castle. This particular example is late 19th century and its use of a double twelve-hour dial indicates that it was either made following January 1, 1873, when the Japanese adopted European time, or it predates that year by a short period of time and was converted. . Other features indicating the date of its manufacture are the use of the balance wheel instead of the very early single foliot or the intermediate double foliot for regulation, and the construction of the brass wheeled movement. The dial has engraved and silvered movable hour plates. The dial, not the hand, revolves and pins extending from the back of the hour plates trip the strike train. The two small apertures above the dial are backed by wheels, the left displaying the twelve signs of the zodiac and the right displaying the Elements of Celestial Stems (there are five). Together they display the sexagenary or sixty year cycle. Showing in the zodiac window is ushi (ox) while the element window displays hi-no-to (fire-younger brother). Together they indicate the 14th year, Hinoto, Ushi, or fire-ox. Three numerals on the dial are missing (5, 7, and 11). The weights are probably not original. The front and side doors of the bonnet are missing. |
Maker |
unknown |
Material |
brass, wood |
Place of Origin |
Japan |
Notes |
Accessioned 31035 23 slides in slide cabinet 1 Movement: 15" h x 7" w x 7" d Updated by Cara M. Lower 8/5/14 |