WORLD CULTURES : ASIA

Object Name: SUNDIAL
Description: Chinese portable hybrid timekeeping device with sun dial (for reading time by the shadow cast by the sun during the day) and possible water clock (for reading the time made by water drips at night) made of wood and brass with moveable pieces including a gnomon. The upper section represents the day, divided into 12 equal units (2hrs each), named after the twelve earthly branches. The lower section is based on the Chinese solar calendar and uses the 24 solar terms/ cycles to describe seasonal changes. It reflects the ancient Chinese people's profound understanding of the sun's movement patterns. Instruments such as this one were very important to astronomical observation, timekeeping, ritual scheduling, and for work which relied on seasonal change such as farming. Probably Qing dynasty
Catalogue Number: BELUM.C814.1914
Notes: National Museums NI

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