Chinese Needham Type-B Fruitwood Diptych, c.1770-1880

Chinese Needham Fruitwood Type-B Diptych. This sundial is based on the Chinese solar calendar, Jiegi, and lists the 24 solar terms of the year from, Duxue meaning Great Snow, to Xiazhi (i.e. summer solstice). Intended to be adjusted throughout the year to account for seasons. Days were divided into 12 equal units, or double hours, known as Shi, which range from Tzu to Hai. Further divisions within this time standard such as Ke and Fen (exact calculations of these units have varied throughout dynasties). Circa 1770-1880.

Featured in the Science Museum Group.

Dimensions: 7.5 cm. x 16.25 cm. x 1.5 cm. 

Diameter (Inner Compass): 2.5 cm. 

Weight: 5.0 oz.