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Japanese Pedestal Clock

$88,500List Price

About the Item

This magnificent Dai-dokei (pedestal clock) is one of the finest and rarest examples of Japanese horological artistry. These clocks were often used to adorn castles, corridors and prominent entrance halls, and for distinguished citizens during the Edo period, they were essential arbiters of daily life. Soon after their creation, clockmakers realized that this pedestal design was too delicate for Japan's earthquake-prone landscape. That this clock and lacquer case have endured centuries of earthquakes and still remains in pristine condition is miraculous. The clock features a weight-driven brass two-train movement that is equipped with a verge escapement and a short pendulum, which regulate the clock's timekeeping. The striking train is controlled by a count wheel and indicates the hours and half hours with a pleasant chime from a bell. The brass dial plate is adorned with intricate floral motifs that add a touch of elegance. At the center of the plate is a rotating chapter ring, which is divided into 24 silver movable chapters — 12 for the hours and 12 for the half hours. The pieced blued steel hand remains fixed while the chapter ring rotates — a traditional Japanese innovation — allowing for precise timekeeping. In addition to its timekeeping features, the plate includes two apertures located in the lower corners that show the sixty days of the Japanese month. The clock's case features meticulous details, including a black lacquered wooden case embellished with lavish mother-of-pearl vine and floral motifs. The front features two glazed doors, with the upper displaying the bell and the lower showcasing the dial. The sides also have glazed doors, with the upper ones equipped with wire gauze sound frets that amplify the bell's resonance. The movement itself sits upon a stunningly crafted frame built on open four-legged stands to be at eye level for people seated on floor mats. During the Edo Period (1603-1867), a time when Japan allowed exceptionally limited trade with the outside world, Japan experienced centuries of stability defined by economic growth, strict social order, a stable population, peace and the flourishing of arts and culture. During this period, Japanese citizens became fascinated by European clocks. They viewed them as mechanical wonders, though the European time-keeping system seemed counterintuitive as they did not account for seasonal shifts. Japanese craftsmen worked to innovate these European mechanisms to produce a machine that required less maintenance and reflected the traditional Japanese methods of timekeeping. Similar late Edo period clocks can be found in the permanent collections of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, the Daimyo Clock Museum in Tokyo, the Seiko Museum in Tokyo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. circa 1860 Marked "????? (Made by Kuwabara Shigesuke)" on escapement 38 3/4" high x 13 3/8" wide x 13 3/8" deep.

Dimensions:
Height: 38.75 in (98.43 cm)Width: 13.38 in (33.99 cm)Depth: 13.38 in (33.99 cm)
Style:
Edo (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Mother-of-Pearl,Steel,Wood,Lacquered
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1860
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-68691stDibs: LU891134257272

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