Exhibition Guide

History Zone

5

Makura Dokei (Pillow-shaped Clock), Shaku Dokei (Ruler Clock)

Makura Dokei
Shaku Dokei

Makura Dokei, Shaku Dokei

This Makura Dokei (Pillow-shaped clock) and this Shaku Dokei (Ruler clock) are put in the paulownia box which is branded "Shijo Tanaka"; therefore, it is thought that Hisashige Tanaka made them at Karakuri-do while he lived in Kyoto.

Makura Dokei is a kind of table-clock, and its name comes from its shape which looks like a pillow of the time.
Its power source is a mainspring, it features a fixed hand, and the clock shows the time by the clock-face turning.
Shaku Dokei is a kind of wall clock.
It tells the time while a weight attached to the clock's body pulls down the body.
The exterior is tortoiseshell, which is rare for a clock.
It reminds us of his background, as he was born into a tortoiseshell craftsman's house.

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