Hashira Dokei Japanese Pillar Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1840
This Japanese pillar clock (hashira dokei) is catalogued by the auction house as dating to circa 1840 and is mounted on a footed wooden base. The auctioneer notes it was designed to measure temporal daylight hours using adjustable seasonal markers on the throat.
The wooden case features an engraved and pierced front plate, an integral key, and circular crest emblems around the glazed hood. Below the movement chamber, the vertical scale displays curved temporal calibration lines and Japanese characters, traversed by an adjustable pointer.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Hashira dokei (Japanese pillar clock)
- Function
- Measures temporal hours with adjustable seasonal markers
- Circa Date
- circa 1840
- Dimensions
- 22" H x 7" W x 6" D
- Front Plate
- Engraved and pierced front plate
- Place recorded
- Japan
Design
- Visible features
- • Vertical pillar wooden trunk mounted on a raised rectangular footed plinth. • Glazed upper movement chamber showing internal brass gearing and wheelwork. • Trunk face decorated with gold-toned chrysanthemum-like mon crests and character seals. • Scale plate inscribed with vertical and curved seasonal lines along with Japanese characters, fitted with a horizontal bar pointer.
- Form and Physical Construction
- The object is catalogued as a Japanese pillar clock (hashira dokei) configured 'on base' with dimensions given as 22 inches high, 7 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. The auction listing describes it as having a 'richly decorated case', while visible observation documents an elongated vertical wooden pillar trunk supported on a raised rectangular footed plinth. Observation of the exterior surfaces reveals that the trunk face is ornamented with gold-toned chrysanthemum-like mon crests and character seals. A glazed upper movement chamber encases the brass gearing and mechanical wheelwork.
- Dating and Mechanical Uncertainty
- The clock was offered with a catalogue attribution of 'circa 1840'. However, no maker signatures, workshop marks, or production inscriptions are documented in the source text, leaving this period designation unverified. Although the internal brass wheelwork is visible through the glazed casing, the source material does not provide a condition report or assessment of gear completeness, running condition, or weight-drive assembly integrity.
- Front Plate, Scale, and Timekeeping Indication
- The description notes that the clock features an 'engraved and pierced front plate' and an 'integral key'. According to the auctioneer, clocks of this style 'were used to measure temporal hours (daylight) and as such have adjustable seasonal markers on throat.' Visual examination confirms a scale plate below the movement chamber inscribed with vertical and curved seasonal lines alongside Japanese characters, traversed by a horizontal bar pointer.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Attribution to circa 1840 is source-reported and not verified by maker markings.
- Research required: No maker or workshop signatures are recorded in the catalogue description.
- Research required: Internal mechanical condition and completeness are not documented.