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Late Edo Period

Pillar Clock with Balance Wheel and Corrugated Dial Panel

The mechanical body and corrugated dial panel are both made of brass plating. The frame is made of a red sandalwood. The balance wheel serves as a regulator, the escapement is crown shaped, and the spring drives the clock. Unlike the replaceable and segmented dial panels, the corrugated dial panel required no seasonal replacement or switchover to change the time division.

Name Pillar Clock with Balance Wheel and Corrugated Dial Panel
Time/Period Late Edo Period
Country Japan
Additional information This was a supreme clock capable of keeping time by Japan’s complicated seasonal time system for a whole year without adjustment or replacement. The markings on the clock dial plate were probably redesigned on numerous occasions over the years for convenience.