A Japanese mother of pearl inlaid shaku dokei wall clock, circa 1840.

Description

Shaku dokei

This type of Japanese wall clock is referred to as ‘shaku=dokei’. A ‘shaku’ is unit of measure with the length of about a foot. ‘Dokei’ is the Japanese term for clock. Since most of these clocks are of this size the name ‘shaku=dokei’ must have stuck. The hand or pointer that indicates the time is fixed to the weight driving the movement. With the movement running, the weights with pointer, descends along the numerals on the lower part of the case. Because the construction is relatively simple these clocks could be made cheaper and were affordable for more people. Until 1873, the Japanese used ‘temporal hours’. This means that the day, and first hour, starts at sunrise. And that the day, and last hour ends at sunset. Both day-time and night-time was divided into six toki (unit of time). It also means that length of the toki changes with the changing of seasons. Therefore the Japanese clocks needed to be adjusted to the ever changing length of the toki. With early ‘shaku-dokei’ the numerals can be moved. Later clocks of this type had sets of dials that needed to be changed every two weeks. With the abolition of the temporal hours these adaptations became obsolete. To keep these clocks useful, sometimes these clocks were issued with a dial with western numerals like it is in this case. Besides the interesting history of this object, the mother of pearl inlay is remarkable. The case together with the movement is a testament of the skill of the Japanese artisans.

Chrysanthemums

The weight driven movement has well turned pillars connecting the top and bottom plates and is of day duration. The front plate is finely pierced and engraved with chrysanthemums. The movement is regulated with a plain balance.

Mother of pearl inlay

The rectangular case with Japanese lacquer has mother of pearl inlay throughout. The front has a decor of stylized geometrical leaves. The sides, top and bottom a decorated with freer leaf decor. The case has a removable hood with slide-up front panel for winding up the weight every day. The rectangular lower part of the case holds the dial with engraved Roman numerals. At the bottom there is a small drawer for the winding key.