尺時計 shaku dokei (pillar clock)

尺時計 shaku dokei (pillar clock) , 1700–1800, Edo period (1600–1868)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: wood; brass

Dimensions:
Object Height (Height): 50.8 cm
Object Height (Height): 20 in

Credit line: The Doctor Maurice L. Jones Collection

Accession number: 1952.0036

Not on display

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On this time-telling device from Edo-period Japan, a key is inserted on the side of the pillar and moves along a vertical ruler measuring out the day according to shaku, roughly equivalent to 13 inches. On the shaku-dokei, the day is divided according to the twelve earthly branches called chishi in Japanese, which are a time-keeping system developed in ancient China.