string-gnomon sundial
Datecirca 1890
Inventory Number7961
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Chinese
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsopen: 10.5 × 11.5 × 17.5 cm (4 1/8 × 4 1/2 × 6 7/8 in.)
closed: 3 × 11.5 × 17.5 cm (1 3/16 × 4 1/2 × 6 7/8 in.)
closed: 3 × 11.5 × 17.5 cm (1 3/16 × 4 1/2 × 6 7/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionThe horizontal dial is mounted together with a magnetic compass in a brass structure with three leveling screws. The gnomon for the dial is a string which is suspended by a support, hinged to rotate into the plane of the dial for storage. The chapter ring is marked with alternating oriental characters and arabic numerals, subdivided into 15 minute intervals. The gnomon can be supported by any of three mounting holes for different latitudes. The compass rose is divided into 16 points with the four major points marked symbol, E, S, and W. The compass rose is offset approximately 50° W.,irregular
FunctionTime finding after orienting the gnomon to point toward true North.
ProvenanceHarold Clarence Ernst, MD, Boston, c. 1900-1922 (no. 59); Mrs. Ellen L. Ernst (his widow), Jamaica Plain, MA, 1922; on loan to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1923-1938; gift to Harvard College Observatory, 1938; transfer to CHSI, 1964.
Jacques le Maire
Date: 1738
Accessories: case; plumb bob
Object number: 7416
Date: 1700
Accessories: Leather covered rectangular case with dial plate and gnomon detached from compass when stored.
Object number: 7189
