SUNDIAL Japanese Meiji era Sundial
£500.00
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SUNDIAL Japanese Meiji era Sundial
£500.00
Taxes included.
An original Japanese horizontal sundial (Hidokei); 59mm in diameter, with the internal face in paper, containing a gnomon held in place via a semi-circular metal arc; a plum-bob for levelling and an inset compass for orientation; the inner lid containing a series of adjustments for different prefectures; all contained within a wooden lidded case with leather base.
Attributed to the craftsman Hayashi Zensuke of Osaka, with a similar sundial currently held at Shinminato Museum. Although the present design was not advertised until the 1920s, the list of prefectures suggests a date between 1882 and 1886, owing to the presence of the short-lived Sapporo, Hakodato and Nemuro Prefectures.
A charming piece.
SKU: 1800286