Japanese Pillar Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This pillar clock originated in Japan, dating to approximately the mid-19th century. It features a narrow, rectangular wooden case measuring 52 cm in height, 8 cm in length, and 7 cm in width.
The movement is constructed of brass and is situated at the top of the case under a glass cover. The timepiece utilizes a weight-driven mechanism and a verge escapement. It is designed to accommodate the traditional Japanese temporal hour system, which divided the day and night into six segments each, with lengths varying by season. To facilitate this adjustment, the clock incorporates movable brass markers positioned along a vertical calibrated brass strip.
A drawer is provided at the base of the housing for the winding key. The clock was acquired by the museum through a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew in 1928.
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
- Date
- circa 1850
- Type
- Pillar clock
- Dimensions
- 8 cm (Length), 7 cm (Width), 52 cm (Height)
- Escapement
- verge
- Mechanism type
- weight driven
- Place recorded
- Japan
- Temporal system
- Traditional Japanese system of 6 hours day and night
- Acquisition details
- Bequest from Mr John Askew, 03 Aug 1928
- Registration number
- ST 19391
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features a glass-enclosed top section for the brass movement • Vertical brass strip on the case face holds adjustable markers • Registration number 19391 is visible on the upper case side • Drawer located at the base of the clock housing
- Movement and Mechanism
- The horological movement is fabricated from brass and is mounted at the top of the clock's wooden pillar. It is driven by a weight, which provides the necessary power for the gear train. The clock utilizes a verge escapement to regulate the movement. The mechanism is protected by a glass cover that sits atop the wooden frame.
- Case Construction and Design
- The pillar clock is characterized by a narrow, rectangular wooden casing that serves as both the housing for the movement and the display for the timekeeping markers. The upper portion of the case features a glass enclosure that allows for visibility of the brass movement within. Below the movement chamber, the primary length of the pillar is occupied by a vertical brass strip. This strip is calibrated and fitted with movable brass markers. These components are essential for the operation of the clock under the historical Japanese temporal system, which required manual adjustments to the time scale to account for the varying lengths of daylight and darkness throughout the changing seasons. A small drawer is integrated into the base of the case to store the clock's winding key.
- Historical Context and Association
- The design of this clock reflects the historical Japanese requirement to track time using a system of six diurnal and six nocturnal hours. Because the length of these hours shifted based on seasonal changes, the clock's calibration was necessarily adjustable. The Japanese government officially transitioned to the 24-hour system in 1873. Consequently, it is believed that the clock was produced prior to this administrative change. The object entered the museum collection in 1928 via a bequest from Mr. John Askew.
Identification
- Serial number
- 19391
- 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: Specific maker is unrecorded
- Research required: Exact date of manufacture is estimated as circa 1850